bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Counting the Hours: The Influence of Gender and Occupation on Work Hour Mismatch Prevalence and Resolution in Australia
Authors: Girtz Britta
Published: June 2020

Existing research on work hour mismatches has examined gender and occupational differences, but it has largely assumed that these factors work independently of each other. This paper combines insights from the stress of higher status hypothesis and the concept of the ideal worker to examine the intersections of gender and occupation in relation to inequalities in workers’ abilities to control the amount of time they spend in paid work. I also offer a longitudinal and process-oriented analysis by examining how men and women in upper, middle, and lower prestige occupations differ in their chances of having hour mismatches, resolving mismatches, and in the methods through which they resolve them. Findings indicate that men and women experience different types of mismatches and men in upper level occupations are at greater risk of mismatches and least likely to find resolutions, yet outcomes are heavily influenced by the intersections of gender and occupation, illustrating the need for this type of analysis. There are few results to indicate differences in the mechanism of mismatch resolution by either gender or occupation.
Are smart sanctions smart enough? An inquiry into when leaders oppress civilians under UN targeted sanctions
Authors: Park Jiyoun , Choi Hyun Jin
Published: June 2020

Why do some UN targeted sanctions (or “smart” sanctions) cause collateral damage to the general population, while others minimize it? We suggest the scope and the effectiveness of smart sanctions, as well as the political institutions of target countries, are critical determinants of sanctions’ adverse effects on human rights. Leaders targeted by sanctions with a broad scope will have a greater incentive to oppress people to ward off potential support for challengers. The degree to which they can carry out successful oppression, however, hinges upon the effectiveness of the implementation of sanctions. Furthermore, we expect that authoritarian systems are more likely to encourage oppression than other ones. We conduct a quantitative analysis of 56 UN-imposed smart sanction episodes. Our study reveals sanctions with a broad scope that are less effective result in deteriorated human rights conditions, especially in authoritarian countries. However, we find when sanctions with a narrow scope work effectively, they do not hurt innocent citizens.
Comorbid Conditions, Mental Health and Cognitive Functions in Adults with Fibromyalgia
Authors: Taylor Sophie , Furness Penny , Ashe Simon , Haywood-Small Sarah , Lawson Kim
Published: June 2020

This study examined age group differences across adulthood in comorbid conditions, mental health, and cognitive function in people with fibromyalgia. Participants completed an online survey about how fibromyalgia affects their everyday life. Chi square analyses were conducted to examine associations between age groups and (a) comorbid conditions and (b) severity of anxiety and depression. ANOVA analyses examined age group differences on aspects of self-report cognitive function. The greatest prevalence of comorbid conditions was found in middle adulthood. Early adulthood was associated with more cases of severe anxiety with the lowest number of cases being in the oldest age group. Middle adulthood was associated with worse self-report pain compared to the youngest age group. Older adults showed better self-report cognitive function compared to younger adults. Distinct age profiles based on comorbid conditions, mental health, and symptom severity across adulthood in fibromyalgia have been demonstrated.
End-of-life care in COVID-19: An audit of pharmacological management in hospital inpatients
Authors: Jackson Timothy , Hobson Katie , Clare Hannah , Weegmann Daniel , Moloughney Catherine , McManus Sally
Published: June 2020

Background:

Hospital clinicians have had to rapidly develop expertise in managing the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 including symptoms common at the end of life, such as breathlessness and agitation. There is limited evidence exploring whether end-of-life symptom control in this group requires new or adapted guidance.

Aim:

To review whether prescribing for symptom control in patients dying with COVID-19 adhered to existing local guidance or whether there was deviation which may represent a need for revised guidance or specialist support in particular patient groups.

Design/setting:

A retrospective review of the electronic patient record of 61 hospital inpatients referred to the specialist palliative care team with swab-confirmed COVID-19 who subsequently died over a 1-month period. Intubated patients were excluded.

Results:

In all, 83% (40/48) of patients were prescribed opioids at a starting dose consistent with existing local guidelines. In seven of eight patients where higher doses were prescribed, this was on specialist palliative care team advice. Mean total opioid dose required in the last 24 h of life was 14 mg morphine subcutaneous equivalent, and mean total midazolam dose was 9.5 mg. For three patients in whom non-invasive ventilation was in place higher doses were used.

Conclusion:

Prescription of end-of-life symptom control drugs for COVID-19 fell within the existing guidance when supported by specialist palliative care advice. While some patients may require increased doses, routine prescription of higher starting opioid and benzodiazepine doses beyond existing local guidance was not observed.
Effect of Education on Preventive Behaviors of Osteoporosis in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Abdolalipour Somyieh , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: June 2020

Background

Osteoporosis is one of the diseases that can be prevented by correcting health behaviors during adolescence.

Objective

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of education on preventive behaviors of osteoporosis including physical activity, calcium intake and practice (primary outcomes) and knowledge and attitude related to osteoporosis (secondary outcomes) in adolescents.

Method

A search was done in Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Sciences, Scopus, Google Scholar, SID and Magiran regardless of the time limit. To evaluate the quality of selected controlled trials, Cochrane collaboration' instrument was used for assessing the risk of bias. RevMan software was used to analysis and report the data.

Results

Of 2159 articles retrieved, 20 of them were reviewed and 18 of them entered the mete-analysis. The meta-analysis showed significant differences between the education and control groups in terms of calcium intake (SMD = 0.78, 95%CI = 0.55 to 1.02, P < 0.00001), practice (SMD = 0.54, 95%CI = 0.41 to 0.68, P < 0.0001), knowledge (SMD = 1.76, 95%CI = 1.10 to 2.42, P < 0.00001) and attitude (SMD = 0.96, 95%CI = 0.53 to 1.40, P < 0.0001) mean score in adolescents but education is not effective on average minute/week of physical activity per week (MD = 31.94, 95%CI = −6.53 to 70.40, P = 0.10), mean score of physical activity (MD = 2.66, 95%CI = −0.55 to 5.88, P = 0.10) and percent of students participated in the physical activity (OR = 1.45, 95%CI = 0.30 to 6.91, P = 0.64).

Conclusion

Education is effective in improving their knowledge and attitudes toward osteoporosis. It can also improve some health-related behaviors for bone health such as sufficient dairy calcium intake but it has not been effective in establishing a regular exercise program.
Enhancing Methodological Reporting in Public Administration: The Functional Equivalents Framework
Authors: Mele Valentina , Esteve Marc , Lee Seulki , Bel Germà , Cappellaro Giulia , Petrovsky Nicolai , Ospina Sonia M.
Published: June 2020

Public administration scholarship reflects a multidisciplinary field in which many theoretical perspectives coexist. However, one of the dark sides of such theoretical pluralism is methodological fragmentation. It may be hard to assess the research quality and to engage with the findings from studies employing different methodologies, thus limiting meaningful conversations. Moreover, the constant race across social sciences to make methodologies more sophisticated may exacerbate the separation between academic and practitioner audiences. To counterbalance these two trends, this article aims at increasing methodological intelligibility in our field. It does so starting from the idea that each methodology entails choices in the conventional phases of research design, data collection, and data analysis, and that these choices must be reported. The paper nails down and exemplifies such reporting needs for five selected methodologies: survey studies, quantitative experimental studies, quantitative observational studies, qualitative case studies and ethnographies. Based on their discussion and comparison, the paper offers a framework composed by functional equivalents, that is to say, the common denominator among methodological reporting needs. Methodological choices that need reporting include the rationale for the selection of a methodology, delimitation of the study, the research instrument, data processing and ethical clearance. Increasing methodological reporting would facilitate dialogues among different methodological communities, and with practitioner readers. All of which would also promote field building in the scholarship of public administration.
Utility of real-time image fusion technology in ultrasonography-guided fiducial marker implantation for stereotactic body radiation therapy for liver tumors
Authors: Tokunaga Koji , Furuta Akihiro , Iizuka Yusuke , Isoda Hiroyoshi , Togashi Kaori
Published: June 2020

Background

Ultrasonography (US) is useful when implanting fiducial markers in the liver. However, the implant position is sometimes lost. Recently, real-time image fusion technology (Volume Navigation [V-navi]; GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI, USA) has been introduced as a technique for using images from different modalities, and its utility for fiducial marker implantation has been hypothesized.

Purpose

To evaluate the utility of US-guided fiducial marker implantation in the liver using V-navi compared to conventional US.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 35 patients who underwent fiducial marker implantation for stereotactic body radiation therapy of liver tumors in 2013–2018. To avoid artifacts obscuring the tumor, the target point of implantation was set 10 mm cranial or caudal to the tumor. Marker implantation was then performed using US alone (US group, n = 24) or V-navi with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (V-navi group, n = 11). Postprocedural CT was evaluated to determine technical success, distances between marker and either tumor surface or target point, and whether marker-induced artifacts obscured the tumor. Complications were also evaluated. Results were compared between groups.

Results

Technical success was obtained in 33 patients. Distance between the tumor and marker showed no significant difference between groups. Distance between target point and marker was shorter in the V-navi group ( P = 0.0093). Tumor-obscuring artifacts were seen in 12 patients (V-navi group, n = 1; US group, n = 11; P = 0.055). The only complication was minor bleeding in the US group (n = 1).

Conclusion

V-navi appears useful for US-guided fiducial marker implantation in the liver compared with conventional US.
Radiological pitfalls associated with the diagnosis of usual interstitial pneumonia pattern on high-resolution computed tomography and associated findings: experience from a single Italian center
Authors: Ricci Francesca , Cavallo Armando Ugo , Luca Pugliese , Vincenzo De Stasio , Monia Pasqualetto , D’Errico Francesca , Benelli Leonardo , Paola Rogliani , Floris Roberto , Chiocchi Marcello
Published: June 2020

Background

The diagnostic algorithm for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) based on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings and multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) has been well established.

Purpose

To identify the causes of disagreement between non-thoracic and thoracic radiologist involved in MDD for the imaging diagnosis of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) patterns and associated findings on HRCT and to improve the understanding of IPF by non-expert radiologists through a more systematic approach to HRCT.

Material and Methods

This study included 68 patients who underwent MDD for suspected IPF. We compared the first reports generated before MDD by non-expert radiologists with the CT pattern and associated findings of IPF reported by thoracic radiologist involved in MDD.

Results

Regarding the diagnosis of CT pattern by non-expert radiologists, 30/68 patients received a discordant diagnosis, and in another 28 reports, all features of the CT pattern were described without reaching a diagnostic conclusion. The first report was concordant in only 10 patients. For 63 cases in which associated findings were reported by expert radiologists in MDD, we documented discrepancies in 47 cases where associated findings were considered absent by the first non-thoracic radiologist.

Conclusion

We found significant discrepancies in the imaging diagnosis of UIP patterns and associated findings on HRCT between non-expert and thoracic radiologists included in MDD. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed and suggested diagnostic strategies to improve non-expert radiologists’ approach to HRCT.
Effects of neuromuscular blocking drugs on viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)
Authors: Doğan Sevil Ceyhan , Polat Zubeyde Akin , Deren Serpil , Yayci Saliha Feyza , Cetin Ali
Published: June 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effects of neuromuscular blocking drugs on the viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and to investigate whether they cause vascular complications due to cell proliferation.

Methods

HUVECs were cultivated with 5% CO2 at 37°C in a predefined supplemented medium over 7 days until confluence of cell monolayers. Assays were conducted during the exponential growth phase. Suxamethonium chloride, vecuronium bromide, atracurium besylate, and rocuronium bromide were used at concentrations of 10–5, 10–6, and 10–7 M in proliferation assays in which cells were incubated with these drugs for 24, 48, and 72 hours. All experiments were performed in four replicates.

Results

The neuromuscular blocking drugs used had comparable effects on the survivability of HUVECs. Overall, no significant difference was observed in the survivability of HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner after exposure to the study drugs. However, some significant differences in the viability of HUVECs were found among the different measurement times.

Conclusions

The findings of the current study support the safety of the studied neuromuscular blocking drugs in clinically relevant concentrations regarding their effects on endothelial cell proliferation.
A chalcone inhibits the growth and metastasis of KYSE-4 esophageal cancer cells
Authors: Chen Jie , Kang Chun-Yan , Niu Zhao-Xia , Zhou Hui-Cong , Yang Hong-Mei
Published: June 2020

Objective

To investigate the in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects of a chalcone against KYSE-4 esophageal cancer cells.

Methods

A chalcone was synthesized via the molecular hybridization strategy based on the anticancer activity of chalcone and dithiocarbamate scaffolds. The anticancer effects of different concentrations of the chalcone derivative were compared in esophageal cancer cells.

Results

This chalcone displayed strong inhibitory effects on esophageal cancer cell growth with an IC50 of 1.06 μM in KYSE-4 cells. Analysis of the mechanism revealed that the derivative obviously inhibited KYSE-4 cell growth, migration, and invasion in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, the compound regulated migration-related biomarkers (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Slug) and inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. According to western blotting, this chalcone suppressed the expression of proline-rich protein 11 (PRR11) in a concentration- and time-dependent manner.

Conclusions

This chalcone might be a leading candidate for suppressing the growth and metastasis of esophageal cancer by downregulating PRR11 expression and inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Establishment of a swine model of traumatic cardiac arrest induced by haemorrhage and ventricular fibrillation
Authors: Shen Peng , Xu Jie-Feng , Gao Yu-Zhi , Xia Sen-Lin , Liu Shao-Yun , Zhang Mao
Published: June 2020

Objective

To establish and evaluate a swine model of traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) induced by haemorrhage and ventricular fibrillation.

Methods

Thirteen male pigs were divided into a sham group ( n = 5) and TCA group ( n = 8). Animals in the sham-operated group underwent intubation and monitoring but not haemorrhage and resuscitation, while animals in the TCA group underwent 40% blood volume haemorrhage over 20 min followed by 5 min of ventricular fibrillation and 5 min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation with fluid resuscitation.

Results

Restoration of spontaneous circulation was achieved in seven of eight animals in the TCA group. After resuscitation, the heart rate was significantly increased while the mean arterial pressure and ejection fraction were significantly decreased in the TCA group. The TCA group had significant cardiac and neurological injuries post-resuscitation and had higher serum creatinine and blood lactic acid levels and lower PaO2 than the sham group. Animals in the TCA group also exhibited significantly higher apoptotic indices and caspase-3 protein levels in the heart, brain and kidney than the sham group.

Conclusion

Animals in this swine model of TCA exhibited high rates of successful resuscitation, significant vital organ injury and prolonged survival. The model is suitable for use in further TCA research.
Predictors of dietary self-efficacy in high glycosylated hemoglobin A1c type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Köbling Tamás , Váradi Zita , Katona Éva , Somodi Sándor , Kempler Péter , Páll Dénes , Zrínyi Miklós
Published: June 2020

Objective

To predict dietary self-efficacy behaviors in high glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) patients using type D personality (TDP) and other psychosocial measures.

Methods

A cross-sectional, predictive research design was implemented. Participants were type 2 diabetes mellitus patients diagnosed more than 2 years prior to the study. Data were collected for demographics, dietary self-efficacy and psychological measures. Spearman’s rank-order correlation was used to test for relationships, the Mann–Whitney test was used to test for differences and multiple linear regression was used to examine predictors of dietary self-efficacy.

Results

Lower dietary self-efficacy was strongly correlated with greater social isolation (r = 0.93) and moderately correlated with more mental health problems (r = 0.20) and higher TDP scores (r = 0.17). Higher HbA1c was inversely related to self-reported physical health (r = −0.19). Social and emotional isolation and time since diagnosis predicted dietary self-efficacy (greater isolation was associated with more dietary management difficulties).

Conclusions

Regression outcomes suggested that a 10% decrease in social isolation improves dietary self-efficacy by 30%, a significant boost to therapeutic adherence. We recommend assessment of social isolation to improve dietary self-efficacy and achieve better patient adherence to therapy.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of CELBESTA® versus CELEBREX® in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a 6-week, multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled, randomized, parallel-group, non-inferiority phase 4 clinical trial
Authors: Kim Hyun-Sook , Choi Won-Ho , Kim Bo Young , Kim Sung Soo , Lee Sang-Il , Kim Sang-Hyon , Choi Sung Jae , Kim Geun-Tae , Hur Jin-Wuk , Lee Myeung-Su , Kim Yun Sung , Hong Seung-Jae
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Celecoxib is a selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor that is commonly used to reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) complications in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). CELBESTA® is a generic equivalent to CELEBREX®, a celecoxib preparation. This study compared the efficacy and safety of CELBESTA® and CELEBREX® in patients with RA.

Methods

This was a multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled, randomized, parallel-group, non-inferiority clinical trial. The primary endpoint was a change from baseline in self-assessed pain intensity determined using a 100-mm visual analog scale after 6 weeks of treatment.

Results

After a washout period, 119 eligible subjects were randomized to one of two groups (CELBESTA® group, n = 61; CELEBREX® group, n = 58). CELBESTA® was not inferior to CELEBREX® because the upper limit of two-sided 95% confidence interval (CI) for the difference between the two groups (difference in the least square [LS] mean, −8.68 mm; two-sided 95% CI −16.59 mm to −0.77 mm) was less than the non-inferiority margin (10 mm). There were no significant differences in GI complications and renal toxicity.

Conclusions

CELBESTA® was not inferior to CELEBREX® with regard to the pain relief efficacy in RA patients, and the tolerability and safety profiles were excellent and at similar levels for both preparations.
A new peripheral endothelial function measurement improves prediction of symptomatic coronary artery disease
Authors: Du Beibei , Si Daoyuan , Zhao Dong , Zhao Yanan , Wagatsuma Kenji , He Yuquan , Yang Ping
Published: June 2020

Objective

This study aimed to determine whether a peripheral artery volume (PAV) test can improve the predictive value of the age-adjusted Framingham risk score (AFRS) for coronary artery disease (CAD) in symptomatic patients.

Methods

A total of 317 consecutive patients who were referred for coronary angiography were prospectively enrolled. Before cardiac catheterization, a PAV test was performed to measure changes in pulsatile blood flow volume following reactive hyperemia.

Results

PAV was significantly lower in patients with CAD than in those without CAD (1.21 ± 0.32 vs. 1.50 ± 0.45). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PAV and the AFRS were independent predictors of CAD. Pairwise comparison of receiver operating characteristic curves showed that the predictive power for CAD increased when PAV was incorporated into the AFRS (area under the curve: from 0.76 to 0.80). The net reclassification index was also improved when PAV was added to the AFRS (0.65, 95% confidence interval: 0.44–0.85).

Conclusions

Digital endothelial function measurement is an independent predictor of CAD. PAV is potentially useful for identifying patients at high risk for CAD.
Loss of death-associated protein kinase 1 in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells decreases immunosuppression of CD4+ T cells
Authors: Wang Shan , Su Hongjun , Feng Pei , Deng Wen , Su Chunyan , Wu Yanfeng , Shen Huiyong
Published: June 2020

Objective

To explore the roles of human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) in modulating CD4+ T lymphocyte proliferation.

Methods

Human MSCs and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and cocultured in vitro for 3 days. Lentiviral-mediated RNA interference (LV-sh-DAPK1) was used to silence DAPK1 expression in hMSCs. Expression of DAPK1 was assessed by western blotting. Transcriptional levels of DAPK1, transforming growth factor-β1, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin (IL)-6, suppressor of cytokine signaling 1, IL-10 and cyclooxygenase-2 were investigated by quantitative PCR. Levels of IL-10 were assessed by ELISA. Proliferation of CD4+ T cells was assessed by flow cytometry.

Results

DAPK1 was abundantly expressed in ex vivo-expanded hMSCs and expression was positively correlated with hMSC suppression of CD4+ T cell proliferation. Silencing of DAPK1 in hMSCs reduced the ability of these cells to inhibit CD4+ T cell proliferation and resulted in decreased IL-10 levels compared with untreated controls. Exogenous supplementation with recombinant human IL-10 in DAPK1-silenced hMSCs restored immunosuppression of CD4+ T cells.

Conclusions

The DAPK1-IL-10 axis mediates a novel immunoregulatory function of hMSCs toward CD4+ T cells.
Dermoid cyst with a congenital sinus tract over the left sternoclavicular joint: a case report and literature review
Authors: Chang Wenli , Ding Yang , Yan Ying , Wei Ning , Li Huijie , Zhang Zekun , Chen Wei
Published: June 2020

Dermoid cysts are rare benign tumors that arise from ectopic epiblastic inclusions and account for 0.4% to 1.5% of all tumors. They are usually 1 to 5 cm in size and composed of a pasty semisolid material. The orbital dermoid cyst is the most common type. Dermoid cysts can also occur in the spinal cord, ovaries, and pancreas. We encountered a 24-year-old man with a dermoid cyst over the left sternoclavicular joint. He reported intermittent secretion of a white tofu-like exudate from an underlying congenital sinus tract since birth. The secretion had turned hemorrhagic for the last month and had been accompanied by progressive swelling and pruritus for 1 week. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed characteristics of a dermoid cyst, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. The patient underwent surgical excision of the cyst under local anesthesia. The incision healed well with no postoperative complications. Considering that a dermoid cyst has the potential to become infected or progress into squamous cell carcinoma, its removal at an early stage is suggested. Few reports in the literature have described a dermoid cyst that secretes hemorrhagic contents from a congenital sinus tract. We present this case to provide a reference for clinicians.
Book review: Dev Nath Pathak (ed.), Another South Asia
Authors: Sharan Mahesh Kumar
Published: June 2020

Dev Nath Pathak (ed.), Another South Asia. New Delhi: Primus Books, 2018, 323 pp., ₹1,395, ISBN: 9789386553587.
Book review: Vikas Pathak, Contesting Nationalisms: Hinduism, Secularism and Untouchability in Colonial Punjab, 1880–1930
Authors: Chaturvedi Himanshu
Published: June 2020

Vikas Pathak, Contesting Nationalisms: Hinduism, Secularism and Untouchability in Colonial Punjab, 1880–1930. Delhi: Primus Books, 2018, 266 pp., ₹1,495.00, ISBN: 9789386552792.
Book review: Syed Akbar Hyder and Manu Bhagavan (eds), Hidden Histories: Religion and Reform in South Asia
Authors: Guha Nikhiles
Published: June 2020

Syed Akbar Hyder and Manu Bhagavan (eds), Hidden Histories: Religion and Reform in South Asia. Delhi: Primus Books, 2018, 306 pp., ₹1,295, ISBN: 9789386552846.
Book review: Mrinalini Rajagopalan, Building Histories: The Archival and Affective Lives of Five Monuments in Modern
Authors: Sharma R. A.
Published: June 2020

Mrinalini Rajagopalan, Building Histories: The Archival and Affective Lives of Five Monuments in Modern. Delhi, London: University of Chicago Press, 2016 (first published in India by Primus Books, Delhi, 2018), xv + 244 pp., ₹1,995, ISBN: 9789384092887.
Spatial Organisation of Northeast India: Colonial Politics, Power Structure and Hills–Plains Relationship
Authors: Kapai Yuimirin
Published: June 2020

The article examines the ideological framework and the principal concerns and interests that underline the colonial policy towards the hill ‘tribes’ of Northeast India. It elaborates on an argument that the colonial spatial ordering of the region privileges the valleys over the hills. The colonial rule establishes and maintains the structural imbalance of the region by making the plains the centres and by relegating the hills to the peripheral ‘others’, thereby perpetuating the power configuration implicit in the spatial organisation. Emphasis on paternalistic reasoning of the British policy towards the hills has clouded the stamp of indifference and insensitivity that underlay the policies. The policy also ‘excluded’ the hill peoples from access to education, engagement in modern economy, and development of infrastructures. The practice of reading the history of the British policy towards the hills appears to be essentially concerned with the elucidation of the hill peoples’ separatist attitude.

By reading the history through the lens of categories such as centre-periphery, power relations and uneven development, the article contends that the colonial policy of segregation charts a historical trajectory, which is at variance with what the hegemonic discourse has established.
Current Knowledge and Future Directions: Proportional Reasoning Interventions for Students with Learning Disabilities and Mathematics Difficulties
Authors: Nelson Gena , Hunt Jessica H. , Martin Kristi , Patterson Blain , Khounmeuang Andy
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of proportional reasoning interventions for students with learning disabilities (LD) or mathematics difficulty (MD). We evaluated fifth to ninth grade interventions on proportional reasoning content, instructional features, and disability and difficulty identification. The nine studies that met inclusion criteria yielded intervention effects ranging from g = −0.10 to 1.87 and from Tau- U = 0.88 to 1.00. Two of the nine studies were deemed high quality and very few studies included participants with LD. Although most studies identified the concepts addressed in the interventions, authors rarely provided in-depth descriptions of how the concept was taught. The results suggest that proportional reasoning interventions for students with LD and MD is underinvestigated. We posit that intervention research in proportional reasoning can and should be expanded upon and offer suggestions in terms of how researchers can continue to develop the knowledge base.
Global municipal solid waste infrastructure: Delivery and forecast of uncontrolled disposal
Authors: Maalouf Amani , Mavropoulos Antonis , El-Fadel Mutasem
Published: June 2020

Proper management and treatment of municipal solid waste (MSW) plays a central role towards the reduction or elimination of uncontrolled disposal and the achievement of United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the reduction of its vast adverse environmental and health impacts. Despite that, till now, there has never been a quantitative analysis of the progress in waste management infrastructure delivery worldwide. In this paper, we provide valuable insights regarding the progress in new MSW infrastructure delivery based on a dataset of 1764 projects from 156 countries, for the period 2014–2019. We also estimate the magnitude of uncontrolled waste disposal practices worldwide by estimating the gap between the current MSW infrastructure delivery and actual changes in MSW generation. Our results show that the new capacity delivered during the six years period amounted to 243 million metric tonnes (Mt) (40 million Mt per year), out of which 45% was delivered in high-income countries, 37.5% in the People’s Republic of China and 17.5% in the rest of the world, mainly through thermal treatment (~57%) and landfilling (8%). The average allocated per capita budget of these projects during this period is about US$14, equivalent to US$2.33 (cap*year)−1. Our main conclusion is that the share of uncontrolled disposal will continue to rise at least until 2028, reaching almost 730 million Mt per year. Evidently, the global community continues to face a serious challenge towards the implementation of the UN SDG 12, target 12.4 by 2020. The analysis demonstrates that infrastructure delivery must increase by four folds to eliminate uncontrolled disposal practices.
L’approche spatiale de Mantel : une application au cas des restaurants
Authors: Clauzel Amélie
Published: June 2020

Les approches classiques d’analyse spatiale cherchant à étudier les effets d’espacements entre individus se situent le plus souvent à des échelles géographiques urbaines, s’appliquant ainsi à des espaces ouverts. Présentée dans cet article autour de ses enjeux, de ses limites et de sa mise en œuvre, la méthode de Mantel est particulièrement adaptée aux situations de coprésence en espace clos. Classiquement mobilisée en biostatistique et en écologie, elle est mobilisée pour la première fois en comportement du consommateur. Appliquée au cas des restaurants, elle permet d’identifier des effets de distance, ici sociospatiale, sur la plus ou moins grande similarité des choix entre groupes de clients, ainsi que sur leurs dépenses. Permettant une forte transversalité d’usage en sciences du management, la méthode de Mantel pourrait intéresser les professionnels en quête d’aménagement des espaces partagés (e.g. espaces de travail, spectacles, avion, spa, réunions de copropriété).
An Innovative Individual-Level Socioeconomic Measure Predicts Critical Care Outcomes in Older Adults: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Barwise Amelia , Wi Chung-Il , Frank Ryan , Milekic Bojana , Andrijasevic Nicole , Veerabattini Naresh , Singh Sidhant , Wilson Michael E. , Gajic Ognjen , Juhn Young J.
Published: June 2020

Background:

Little is known about the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) as a key element of social determinants of health on intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes for adults.

Objective:

We assessed whether a validated individual SES index termed HOUSES (HOUsing-based SocioEconomic status index) derived from housing features was associated with short-term outcomes of critical illness including ICU mortality, ICU-free days, hospital-free days, and ICU readmission.

Methods:

We performed a population-based cohort study of adult patients living in Olmsted County, Minnesota, admitted to 7 intensive care units at Mayo Clinic from 2011 to 2014. We compared outcomes between the lowest SES group (HOUSES quartile 1 [Q1]) and the higher SES group (HOUSES Q2-4). We stratified the cohort based on age (<50 years old and ≥50 years old).

Results:

Among 4134 eligible patients, 3378 (82%) patients had SES successfully measured by the HOUSES index. Baseline characteristics, severity of illness, and reason for ICU admission were similar among the different SES groups as measured by HOUSES except for larger number of intoxications and overdoses in younger patients from the lowest SES. In all adult patients, there were no overall differences in mortality, ICU-free days, hospital-free days, or ICU readmissions in patients with higher SES compared to lower SES. Among older patients (>50 years), those with higher SES (HOUSES Q2-4) compared to those with lower SES (HOUSES Q1) had lower mortality rates (hazard ratio = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.56-0.93; adjusted P = .01), increased ICU-free days (mean 1.08 days; 95% CI: 0.34-1.84; adjusted P = .004), and increased hospital-free days (mean 1.20 days; 95% CI: 0.45-1.96; adjusted P = .002). There were no differences in ICU readmission rates (OR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.55-1.00; P = .051).

Conclusion:

Individual-level SES may be an important determinant or predictor of critical care outcomes in older adults. Housing-based socioeconomic status may be a useful tool for enhancing critical care research and practice.
Identification of Possible Causative Agents in a Polymedicated Patient Presenting With Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Authors: Khazaka Michael , Laverdière Jeanne , Bouchard Audrey , Ferreira Victor , Mathieu Alexandre
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

To present the pharmacological evaluation process in a case of a polymedicated patient presenting with toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).

A 75-year-old Caucasian polymedicated woman had been treated for hip pain with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and pregabalin in the months preceding the apparition of an expanding papulo-erythematous rash. She had also started using new medicated eye drops for glaucoma. She presented to the emergency department of a regional hospital where all of her medications were stopped. The patient was transferred and admitted to a tertiary-care teaching hospital’s specialized burn unit for significant cutaneous detachment. It was estimated that 70% to 80% of the body surface area was affected. Skin biopsy showed keratinocyte necrosis with a partial detachment of the epidermis leading to a diagnosis of TEN. The reaction ceased to progress 2 days after the discontinuation of her medications. A complete reepithelialization was objectified after 10 days. A series of steps were followed by the hospital pharmacist to determine which drugs were the most probable culprits. A complete pharmacological history was obtained and a timeline for medication use in the 3 months preceding rash apparition was established. A review of the literature was done to determine the drugs’ relationships to Steven-Johnson syndrome or TEN. Using the algorithm of drug causality for epidermal necrolysis (ALDEN) score, it was determined that naproxen, pregabalin, and brinzolamide–timolol drops were all possible culprits.

Conclusion:

A systematic method for pharmacological evaluation of a polymedicated patient with TEN is presented. Naproxen, pregabalin, and brinzolamide–timolol drops were all retained as possible culprits.
Effectiveness prediction of abrasive jetting stream of accelerator tank using normalized sparse autoencoder-adaptive neural fuzzy inference system
Authors: Liang Zhongwei , Liu Xiaochu , Wen Guilin , Xiao Jinrui
Published: June 2020

Abrasive jetting stream generated from accelerator tank is crucial to the precision machining of industrial products during the process of strengthen jet grinding. In this article, its effectiveness prediction using normalized sparse autoencoder-adaptive neural fuzzy inference system is carried out to provide an optimal result of jetting stream. A normalized sparse autoencoder-adaptive neural fuzzy inference system capable of calculating the concentration density of abrasive impact stress by normalized sparse autoencoder and identifying the effectiveness indexes of abrasive jetting by adaptive neural fuzzy inference system is proposed to predict the stream effectiveness index in grinding practices, indicating that when turbulence root-mean-square velocity ( VRMS) is 420 m/s, turbulence intensity ( Ti) is 570, turbulence kinetic energy ( Tc) is 540 kJ, turbulence entropy ( Te) is 620 J/K, and Reynolds shear stress ( Rs) is 430 kPa (Error tolerance = ± 5%, the same as follows), the optimized effectiveness quality of abrasive jetting stream could be ensured. The effectiveness prediction involve the following steps: measuring the jet impact data on the interior boundary surface of accelerator tank, calculating the concentration density of abrasive impact stress, establishing the descriptive analytical frame work of normalized sparse autoencoder-adaptive neural fuzzy inference system, adaptive prediction of abrasive jetting stream effectiveness through normalized sparse autoencoder-adaptive neural fuzzy inference system computation, and performance verification of actual effectiveness prediction in the efficiency quantification and quality assessment when it compared to that of alternative approaches, such as genetic, simulated annealing–genetic algorithm, Taguchi, artificial neural network–simulated annealing, and genetically optimized neural network system methods. Objective of this research is to adaptive predict the abrasive jetting stream effectiveness using a new-proposed prediction system, a stable and reliable abrasive jetting stream therefore can be achieved using jetting pressure ( Pw) at 320 MPa, mass of cast steel grits ( Mc) at 270 g, mass of bearing steel grits ( Mb) at 310 g, mass of brown-fused alumina grits ( Ma) at 360 g, and mass rate of abrasives ( Fa) at 0.46 kg/min. It is concluded that normalized sparse autoencoder-adaptive neural fuzzy inference system owns an outstanding predictive capability and possesses a much better working advancement in typical calibration indexes of accuracy and efficiency, meanwhile a high agreement between the fuzzy predicted and actual measured values of effectiveness indexes is ensured. This novel method could be promoted constructively to improve the quality uniformity for abrasive jetting stream and to facilitate the productive managements of abrasive jet machining consequently.
Microscopic contact pressure and material removal modeling in rail grinding using abrasive belt
Authors: Fan Wengang , Wang Wenxi , Wang Junda , Zhang Xinle , Qian Chang , Ma Tengfei
Published: June 2020

Recently, the emerging rail grinding method using abrasive belt has been proposed to efficiently achieve the required geometric profile and the surface quality of the railhead. Although the abrasive features indeed have a great influence on this rail grinding process, the surface topography of abrasive belt regarding grits at the microscopic scale is neglected. In this article, a microscopic contact pressure model was developed to reveal the contact behavior of every active grit based on the digital representation of the surface topography of abrasive belt. Then a numerical model of material removal quantity was also established based on the consideration of the characteristics of abrasive grits and their interactions. Finally, the series of finite element simulations and grinding tests were successively implemented. The normal load and the surface topography of abrasive belt significantly affected the microscopic contact behavior of grits, thus confirming the proposed theoretical models of microscopic contact pressure and material removal quantity.
Lubrication characteristics of the slipper–swash-plate interface in a swash-plate-type axial piston pump
Authors: Meng Xiangxu , Ge Chang , Liang Hongxi , Lu Xiqun , Ma Xuan
Published: June 2020

An analytical approach based on a hydrodynamic lubrication model is presented to understand the bearing capacity, leakage, and friction moment of the slipper–swash-plate interface in a swash-plate-type axial piston pump. Furthermore, how the shaft speed, load pressure, and slipper attitude influence the lubrication performance of the interface is analyzed. The research shows that the slipper attitude has a significant effect on the pressure distribution. To improve the lubrication performance, a grooved sealing-land design is proposed, and the location and geometric parameters of the groove are analyzed. The results indicate that the optimal lubrication performance is achieved when the groove is 2.0–3.0 mm wide and 5–20 µm deep at its inner boundary.
Research on global coupling analysis and approximate decoupling of quality characteristics in the early design stage
Authors: Chen Yifan , Ran Yan , Wang Zhichao , Zhang Genbao
Published: June 2020

Due to the existence of coupling relationships, quality characteristics form a variation propagation process, which increases the risk possibility of product quality. In order to improve the robustness of quality characteristics, this paper proposes a fuzzy clustering-based key quality characteristics decoupling planning considering risk criticality. Firstly, based on the design structure matrix, a modular correlation matrix of key quality characteristics was established to quantify the coupling relationships among them. Secondly, according to the variation characteristics of quality characteristics, the variation propagation model is constructed to identify the potential quality risk. Thirdly, the fuzzy clustering algorithm is used to obtain the optimal control sequence of key quality characteristics. Finally, the computerized numerical control machine tool is taken as an actual case, the effectiveness and superiority of this method are verified by the comparison of the numerical result and method. This method provides a new indicator system solution for the coupling analysis of product design.
Stiffness modeling and force mapping analysis of hybrid-limb six-axis force sensor
Authors: Yao Jiantao , Zu Lizheng , Ruan Haoqi , Cai Dajun , Bai Huidong , Xu Yundou , Zhao Yongsheng
Published: June 2020

To meet the needs of large load and high reliability measurement under complex working conditions and downsize the outline of six-axis force sensor as much as possible, the design concept of hybrid limb is proposed to the design of parallel six-axis force sensor. A kind of heavy-load-bearing flexible integrated six-axis force sensor with hybrid limbs is proposed. The proposed force sensor adopts a hybrid-limb configuration integrating eight measuring redundant limbs and four load-bearing limbs. It is capable of measuring 5500 N vertical force, 3000 N horizontal force, 160 N·m moment about the vertical axis, and 130 N·m moment about the horizontal axis. Based on the superposition principle under small deformation, the whole stiffness matrix of force sensor and the analytical mapping relation are constructed, respectively. The accuracy of the theoretical modeling is verified by the stress analysis of the designed sensor using finite element method software ANSYS. Finally, the prototype is calibrated, and the results show that it has good linearity.
Research on modeling and mechanical behaviors of matched angular contact ball bearings
Authors: Gu Jianguo , Zhang Yimin
Published: June 2020

In engineering applications, angular contact ball bearings are usually mounted in pairs to accommodate the high-speed and heavy-load conditions. The usability, security, and stability of rotating machinery systems are heavily dependent on the mechanical behaviors of matched angular contact ball bearings. However, few related works about matched bearings have been reported. Consequently, it is of great significance to investigate the mechanical properties of matched bearings. This paper presents an analysis of the stiffness and fatigue life characteristics of matched angular contact ball bearings under axial position preload. First, an improved quasi-static model is proposed by using universal coordinate transformation method to investigate the stiffness characteristics of matched bearings. On basis of this, the fatigue life of matched bearings under running condition can be calculated. Then, the validity of the proposed model is verified via comparison between calculated results with previously published experimental results. Finally, a pair of 7206B bearings is taken as a numerical example to illustrate the application of the proposed model. The effects of bearing configuration form, preload, external loads, rotating speed on the stiffness, and fatigue life of matched bearings are discussed in detail.
Adaptive intervention logic for automated driving systems based on injury risk minimization
Authors: Vangi Dario , Virga Antonio , Gulino Michelangelo-Santo
Published: June 2020

Performance improvement of advanced driver assistance systems yields two major benefits: increasingly rapid progress towards autonomous driving and a simultaneous advance in vehicle safety. Integration of multiple advanced driver assistance systems leads to the so-called automated driving system, which can intervene jointly on braking and steering to avert impending crashes. Nevertheless, obstacles such as stationary vehicles and buildings can interpose between the opponent vehicles and the working field of advanced driver assistance systems’ sensors, potentially resulting in an inevitable collision state. Currently available devices cannot properly handle an inevitable collision state, because its occurrence is not subject to evaluations by the system. In the present work, criteria for intervention on braking and steering are introduced, based on the vehicle occupants’ injury risk. The system must monitor the surrounding and act on the degrees of freedom adapting to the evolution of the scenario, following an adaptive logic. The model-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop for such adaptive intervention are first introduced. To highlight the potential benefits offered by the adaptive advanced driver assistance systems, simulation software has been developed. The adaptive logic has been tested in correspondence of three inevitable collision state conditions between two motor vehicles: at each instant, the adaptive logic attitude of creating impact configurations associated with minimum injury risk is ultimately demonstrated.