bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personal Immunization against Hepatitis B
Authors: Shanks N J , Rowlands D F
Published: July 2022

Doctors represent a high risk category for contracting hepatitis B virus. We report obstacles to our vaccination programme. Thirty per cent of the doctors (mainly Middle Eastern origin) were naturally immune to hepatitis, 29% received vaccination on completion of their pre-employment medical. However, 32% did not present for vaccination despite a total of 224 letters being dispatched, an average of 5.5 letters per doctor. Three medical staff were found to be HbsAg positive. More encouragement is required for those doctors who fail to attend for immunization. Measures such as: being a pre-requisite for employment, or withholding pay could be considered in high risk areas.
Management of Service Personnel with a History of Penicillin Allergy: Discussion Paper
Authors: Williams M D , Milner S M , Pearson M H , Ryan J M , Merrett T G
Published: July 2022

A false label of penicillin allergy may have important consequences for wartime medical evacuation. This article outlines the antibiotic protocol for war wounds, the current status of tests to diagnose true penicillin allergy and suggests a strategy for the management of personnel with a history of such allergy.
British Gastroenterologists' Care Profile for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Need for a Patients' Charter
Authors: Probert C S J , Jayanthi V , Mayberry J F
Published: July 2022

The follow-up of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was investigated using a postal questionnaire sent to 359 members of the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG), of whom 235 replied. Of patients with IBD, 96% were weighed on each outpatient clinic review and over 60% had their full blood count checked. Although few centres (20%) have computerized recall of their patients for cancer surveillance, 96% did perform such surveillance on patients with ulcerative colitis. The mean duration of disease before surveillance was initiated was 9.6 years. Most clinicians (80%) only surveyed patients with disease extending beyond the transverse colon.

Despite recent work on cancer risk age is relatively unimportant to 76% of clinicians in their decision to screen or not. Only 24% of clinicians undertake cancer surveillance in patients with Crohn's disease but these use similar criteria in their selection of patients. Few other tests were performed regularly. Clinic services vary considerably from centre to centre, 62% offer open access to patients with IBD, 8% have a stoma nurse in clinic and 17% a dietitian. Eighty-four per cent of respondents provide educational books and 22% videos. Forty-four per cent of clinicians refer patients for advice to fellow sufferers. We believe there should be a uniform minimum standard of care and services available in clinics throughout the United Kingdom and propose a patients' charter to ensure that this occurs. Such care profiles provide guidelines to those who need to develop standards for resource management.
Selecting Anaesthetists: The Use of Psychological Tests and Structured Interviews
Authors: Reeve P E , Vickers M D , Horton J N
Published: July 2022

To test the predictive validity of a selection system for Senior House Officers (SHOs) and registrars in anaesthetics, 140 doctors short-listed from 635 applications between 1980 and 1987 were assessed by a semi-structured interview assessed and a personality questionnaire (Cattell 16PFQ-form C). The 62 doctors selected were followed up for between 3 and 8 years. Future performance was predicted from the psychological tests and by the interviewers. Academic, clinical, behavioural, and overall performance were used as criteria of outcome.

Correlation coefficients between prediction and outcome measures were statistically highly significant ( P<0.01). Using multiple regression, equations could be derived from five of the Cattell personality factors to predict overall performance.

Personality measures discriminated significantly between the best and poorest performers. Interview predictions were also statistically significant ( P<0.01). The method provides a blueprint for the effective selection of junior anaesthetists. Wastage in terms of those leaving the specialty was 16%.
Data Collection and Complication Rates in Clinical Audit
Authors: Eardley Ian , Doyle Patrick T , Bullock K Nigel
Published: July 2022

Audit data were collected continuously between February 1988 and July 1991. For the initial period (February 1988–June 1990) data were collected by monitoring of ward admission and discharge records and by collecting data from operating theatre records whilst complications were noted in a ‘complications book’ which was kept on the notes trolley. In July 1991, when a computerized system for storing and processing audit data was introduced into the department, the methods of data collection changed. For each patient a proforma was attached to the clinical notes which was filled in at each stage of the hospital stay. On this proforma was a list of possible complications which were ticked, as appropriate, at the time of discharge from hospital. We have reviewed the results of clinical audit during these two periods.

The number of operations performed per month fell slightly in the latter period ( p=0.005). However, there was a significant increase in both the number of complications ( p<0.0001) and in the complication rate ( p<0.0001). Further analysis showed that there was a similar increase in the number of recorded major and minor complications, and that this increase was also seen even when changes in medical personnel were accounted for.

We suggest that the increased complication rate recorded in the latter period reflects the change in the method of data collection. This has important implications when comparing outcome measures for clinical departments.
MRI as a Single Screening Procedure for Acoustic Neuroma: A Cost Effective Protocol
Authors: Robson A K , Leighton S E J , Anslow P , Milford C A
Published: July 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is accepted as the ‘gold standard’ in diagnosing acoustic neuromas. Limited availability and perceived high costs have prevented clinicians from using it as a first-line investigation. A prospective study was set up in a specially designated screening session to audit the cost effectiveness and accuracy of audiovestibular investigations compared to MRI. Ninety-nine patients with asymmetrical audiovestibular symptoms or signs were investigated. Of these 54 evoked response audiometry tests, and 39 calorics were either not performed or were inconclusive. One patient refused to enter the MRI machine. All others received an unequivocal report after MRI and four tumours (three intracanalicular) were detected. The total cost of the audiovestibular protocol was £12 545 compared to £12 900 for the MRI protocol, which is a diagnostic and well-tolerated procedure. This study shows that MRI can be cost effective, as well as accurate, when used as a single screening procedure for acoustic neuromas.
The Medical Management of Traumatic Hyphaema: A Survey of Opinion among Ophthalmologists in the UK
Authors: Little B C , Aylward G W
Published: July 2022

Current attitudes to the medical management of traumatic hyphaema were investigated by means of a postal survey. A single page questionnaire was sent to all consultant ophthalmologists in the UK who were members of the college of ophthalmologists. The response rate was 50%. Opinion was sharply divided on the use of bed rest, padding and topical therapy. However, there was almost universal agreement that systemic therapy, either steroids or antifibrinolytics, were not indicated.
Output containment control for heterogeneous discrete-time linear descriptor multi-agent systems by a feedforward output regulation approach
Authors: Lu Yanrong , Lin Yajing , Wang Zhiwen , Ding Dawei , Qiao Liang
Published: July 2022

This paper studies the cooperative output containment control of the heterogeneous linear discrete-time descriptor multi-agent systems based on the output regulation theory. First, the output containment control problem is transformed into a standard cooperative output regulation problem. Second, since only a portion of the followers can directly obtain the information of the leaders, a new distributed observer is designed for each follower to estimate the combinations of the leaders’ states by using the local state containment errors. Third, two types of distributed control algorithms, as well as the corresponding sufficient conditions, are provided to ensure the achievement of the output containment control. Finally, numerical simulation results illustrate the validity of the proposed method.
Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy: Case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Shaojie , Song Changlong , Yang Xinjie , Yang Yaowu , Wei Jianhua
Published: July 2022

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a rare benign tumor. Here, we report the diagnosis and treatment of 1 case of MNTI in the maxilla and discuss its clinical and pathological features, imaging features, treatment, and prognosis.
A Longitudinal Test of the Conservative-Liberal Well-Being Gap
Authors: Vargas Salfate Salvador , Khan Sammyh S. , Liu James H. , Gil de Zúñiga Homero
Published: July 2022

In this article, we test if conservatism predicts psychological well-being longitudinally. We based the study on previous findings showing that conservatives score higher on different measures of well-being, such as life satisfaction and happiness. Most explanations in the literature have assumed that conservatism antecedes well-being without considering the alternative—that well-being may predict conservatism. In Study 1, using multilevel cross-lagged panel models with a two-wave longitudinal sample consisting of data from 19 countries ( N = 8,740), we found that conservatism did not predict well-being over time. We found similar results in Study 2 ( N = 2,554), using random-intercept cross-lagged panel models with a four-wave longitudinal sample from Chile. We discuss the main implications of these results for the literature examining the association between conservatism and well-being.
Racialized Perceptions of Vegetarianism: Stereotypical Associations That Undermine Inclusion in Eating Behaviors
Authors: Rosenfeld Daniel L. , Brannon Tiffany N. , Tomiyama A. Janet
Published: July 2022

Shifting societal eating patterns toward a vegetarian diet offers promise for improving public health and environmental sustainability. Yet concerns exist about racial disparities in inclusion, as some sentiments suggest that vegetarianism is stereotypically associated with Whiteness. Through four studies (total N = 3,234), we investigated associations U.S. adults hold between race and vegetarianism, along with implications for behavior change and belongingness among Black individuals. Participants, across racial backgrounds, strongly associated vegetarianism with Whiteness, both explicitly and implicitly. A race prime led Black participants to report lower interest in becoming a vegetarian, whereas a prime of race-vegetarianism associations decreased Black participants’ feelings of belongingness in the vegetarian community. Exposure to racially inclusive messaging about vegetarianism, meanwhile, increased belongingness among Black participants. These findings provide the first quantitative insights into racial stereotypes about vegetarianism and pose future directions for theory, research, and practice at the intersections of race and eating behavior.
Reading Literary Fiction Is Associated With a More Complex Worldview
Authors: Buttrick Nicholas , Westgate Erin C. , Oishi Shigehiro
Published: July 2022

What are the effects of reading fiction? We propose that literary fiction alters views of the world through its presentation of difference—different minds, different contexts, and different situations—grounding a belief that the social world is complex. Across four studies, two nationally representative and one preregistered (total n = 5,176), we find that the reading of literary fiction in early life is associated with a more complex worldview in Americans: increased attributional complexity, increased psychological richness, decreased belief that contemporary inequalities are legitimate, and decreased belief that people are essentially only one way. By contrast, early-life reading of narrative fiction that presents more standardized plots and characters, such as romance novels, predict holding a less complex worldview.
Rationales and Support for Norms in the Context of Covid-19
Authors: Horne Christine , Johnson Monica Kirkpatrick
Published: July 2022

This study empirically tests whether people invoke moral and prudential rationales when evaluating behavior in a novel context—the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic in the United States—and whether those rationales are associated with their support for a norm. We use data from two online vignette experiments that describe key health behaviors—staying home and masking—and find substantial support. Given the politicization of these behaviors in the U.S. context, we also explore the role of political orientation and find that liberal participants react more strongly to the behaviors.
‘Accumulation by appropriation’: The integration of recyclable-waste collector cooperatives in Salvador, Brazil, and the right to the city
Authors: Manzi Maya , Santana Joilson Santos , Marchi Cristina Maria Dacach Fernandez
Published: July 2022

This paper analyzes the intersection between waste, value, and the right to the city within the context of the Municipal Recycling Collection Program in Salvador, Brazil. It shows how the legal recognition of recyclable-waste collectors as legitimate workers and their integration into municipal practices of waste management has not materialized into improved working conditions and has done nothing to advance their struggle for the right to the city. A critical value perspective on this specific case demonstrates that waste and “humans-as-waste” “switching” from not-value to value-in-the-making does not represent a way of escaping abjection and exploitation. Instead, the inclusion of cooperative collectors into the municipal recycling collection program has resulted in new forms of dispossession, through state-increased control over recyclables and in the municipality appropriating the value produced by the struggles, knowledge, and informal collective labor of the collectors. The right to the city for waste workers in Salvador therefore entails the right to work with dignity and the re-appropriation of waste as the urban commons to create livelihoods based on labor relations and regimes of value against and beyond capitalism.
Pandemic patriotism: Official speeches in the face of the global COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Atria Jorge , Alfaro Juan , Tapia Magdalena , Frei Raimundo
Published: July 2022

Faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities have had to announce health, economic, financial, and social measures. The way in which these actors communicate is crucial and points to the collective meanings that are transmitted when dealing with the pandemic. The discourses used are designed with different frameworks and narratives to have broad appeal, so as to convince the public about the government’s performance in managing the crisis and to obtain respect and obedience. Based on a qualitative analysis of 238 official speeches from five continents delivered between March and May 2020, this article contributes to the analysis of the pandemic with regard to two axes that underlie the speeches in other crises of this magnitude: appeals for solidarity and references to a war context. The results show that in this pandemic, the discourses have been deployed through these axes, reinforcing collective memories and national identities as sources to activate patriotic feelings and sustain implemented measures.
Sodium oxybate for the maintenance of abstinence in alcohol-dependent patients: An international, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Guiraud Julien , Addolorato Giovanni , Antonelli Mariangela , Aubin Henri-Jean , de Bejczy Andrea , Benyamina Amine , Cacciaglia Roberto , Caputo Fabio , Dematteis Maurice , Ferrulli Anna , Goudriaan Anna E , Gual Antoni , Lesch Otto-Michael , Maremmani Icro , Mirijello Antonio , Nutt David J , Paille François , Perney Pascal , Poulnais Roch , Raffaillac Quentin , Rehm Jürgen , Rolland Benjamin , Rotondo Claudia , Scherrer Bruno , Simon Nicolas , Skala Katrin , Söderpalm Bo , Somaini Lorenzo , Sommer Wolfgang H , Spanagel Rainer , Vassallo Gabriele A , Walter Henriette , van den Brink Wim
Published: July 2022

Background:

Sodium oxybate (SMO) has been shown to be effective in the maintenance of abstinence (MoA) in alcohol-dependent patients in a series of small randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These results needed to be confirmed by a large trial investigating the treatment effect and its sustainability after medication discontinuation.

Aims:

To confirm the SMO effect on (sustained) MoA in detoxified alcohol-dependent patients.

Methods:

Large double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in detoxified adult alcohol-dependent outpatients (80% men) from 11 sites in four European countries. Patients were randomized to 6 months SMO (3.3–3.9 g/day) or placebo followed by a 6-month medication-free period. Primary outcome was the cumulative abstinence duration (CAD) during the 6-month treatment period defined as the number of days with no alcohol use. Secondary outcomes included CAD during the 12-month study period.

Results:

Of the 314 alcohol-dependent patients randomized, 154 received SMO and 160 received placebo. Based on the pre-specified fixed-effect two-way analysis of variance including the treatment-by-site interaction, SMO showed efficacy in CAD during the 6-month treatment period: mean difference +43.1 days, 95% confidence interval (17.6–68.5; p = 0.001). Since significant heterogeneity of effect across sites and unequal sample sizes among sites ( n = 3–66) were identified, a site-level random meta-analysis was performed with results supporting the pre-specified analysis: mean difference +32.4 days, p = 0.014. The SMO effect was sustained during the medication-free follow-up period. SMO was well-tolerated.

Conclusions:

Results of this large RCT in alcohol-dependent patients demonstrated a significant and clinically relevant sustained effect of SMO on CAD.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04648423
Cell-specific expression and function of laminin at the neurovascular unit
Authors: Nirwane Abhijit , Yao Yao
Published: July 2022

Laminin, a major component of the basal lamina (BL), is a heterotrimeric protein with many isoforms. In the CNS, laminin is expressed by almost all cell types, yet different cells synthesize distinct laminin isoforms. By binding to its receptors, laminin exerts a wide variety of important functions. However, due to the reciprocal and cell-specific expression of laminin in different cells at the neurovascular unit, its functions in blood-brain barrier (BBB) maintenance and BBB repair after injury are not fully understood. In this review, we focus on the expression and functions of laminin and its receptors in the neurovascular unit under both physiological and pathological conditions. We first briefly introduce the structures of laminin and its receptors. Next, the expression and functions of laminin and its receptors in the CNS are summarized in a cell-specific manner. Finally, we identify the knowledge gap in the field and discuss key questions that need to be answered in the future. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive overview on cell-specific expression of laminin and its receptors in the CNS and their functions on BBB integrity.
Significance of circRNAs as biomarkers for systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Luyuan , Lu Mengting , Li Wenyu , Fan Runge , Wen Sijian , Xiao Wen , Lin Youkun
Published: July 2022

Objective

To comprehensively evaluate the significance of circular RNAs (circRNAs) as potential diagnostic biomarkers for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) via pooled analyses of data from published studies that focussed on the association between circRNAs and SLE.

Methods

The systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was registered in PROSPERO (registration No. CRD42021229383). Relevant studies published before 3 April 2022 were selected to verify the relationship between circRNA expression levels and SLE. Extracted data were analysed using a random-effects model with Meta-DiSc 1.4 and Stata 16 software. Transcription factors related to hsa_circ_0000479 and its parental gene were extracted from the TRCirc and hTFtarget databases, respectively.

Results

A total of 10 studies, involving 438 patients with SLE and 434 controls, were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio of circRNAs in detecting SLE were 0.66 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63, 0.70), 0.79 (95% CI 0.76, 0.82), and 10.80 (95% CI 6.58, 17.73), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.8366.

Conclusions

Meta-analysis of pooled data indicated a moderate accuracy of circRNAs in diagnosing SLE. The exact diagnostic value of circRNAs and the mechanisms of interaction between circRNAs and their parental genes should be confirmed in further studies.
Galcanezumab modulates Capsaicin-induced C-fiber reactivity
Authors: Basedau Hauke , Oppermann Thalea , Gundelwein Silva Elisa , Peng Kuan-Po , May Arne
Published: July 2022

Background

The vasodilatory calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP) is understood as pivotal mediator in migraine pathophysiology. Blocking CGRP with small molecules or monoclonal antibodies (CGRP-mAb) reduces migraine frequency. However, prescription of CGRP-mAbs is still regulated and possible predictive measures of therapeutic success would be useful.

Methods

Using standardized capsaicin-induced dermal blood flow model, 29 migraine patients underwent a laser speckle imaging measurement before and after administration of galcanezumab. At both sessions dermal blood flow before and after capsaicin stimulation as well as flare size were analyzed over all three trigeminal branches and the volar forearm for extracranial control. Long-term measures were repeated in 14 patients after continuous treatment ranging from 6 to 12 months.

Results

Resting dermal blood flow remained unchanged after administration of galcanezumab. Capsaicin-induced dermal blood flow decreased significantly after CGRP-mAb in all tested areas compared to baseline and this was consistent even after 12 months of treatment. However, following galcanezumab administration, the flare size decreased only in the three trigeminal dermatomes, not the arm and was therefore specific for the trigemino-vascular system. None of these two markers distinguished between responders and non-responders.

Conclusion

CGRP-mAb changed blood flow response to capsaicin stimulation profoundly and this effect did not change over a 12-month application. Neither capsaicin-induced flare nor dermal blood flow can be used as a predictor for treatment efficacy. These data suggest that the mechanism of headache development in migraine is not entirely CGRP-mediated.
Academic libraries and the need for continuing professional development in Botswana
Authors: Oladokun Olugbade , Mooko Neo Patricia
Published: July 2022

An academic librarian is expected to be skilled in the tasks they undertake and make quality services promptly available to users. This study aimed to determine academic librarians’ understanding of the changes in their profession and the need for continuing professional development; examine librarians’ perception of the quality of library and information science education in Botswana; and find out the extent to which academic librarians perform different library and professional functions. The research paradigm adopted was a positivist approach. Using the census method, quantitative data was collected from practising librarians and qualitative data was obtained from five library heads. The study established that there had been significant changes in the librarians’ jobs over the years, as they were currently required to work harder, learn more skills and perform new tasks. With no suitable continuing professional development strategy in place, there was a lack of adequate knowledge to perform information technology and other salient tasks. Appropriate recommendations are made.
Variations in maximum urethral closure pressure in stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Taboada-Lozano David Fernando , Guerrero-Reyes Guadalupe , Gutiérrez-González Adrian , Hernández-Velázquez Ricardo , Alcaraz-Contreras Berenice , Pallares-Méndez Rigoberto
Published: July 2022

Introduction:

Urethral Pressure Profilometry (UPP) assesses the urethral closing function. The literature is scarce regarding the change in the Maximum Urethral Closure Pressure (MUCP) values during Pelvic Floor Muscle Contraction (PFMC). The objective was to evaluate the change in the urethral closure pressure (UCP) at rest and during a PFMC in patients with Stress Urinary Incontinence.

Materials and methods:

This was a descriptive, comparative, and observational study. The study comprised female patients with either Pure Stress Urinary Incontinence (PSUI) or Complicated Stress Urinary Incontinence (CSUI). The urethral closure pressure was measured at rest and during PFMC using urethral profilometry. The effect of the pelvic musculature contraction was evaluated by comparing the changes in the indicated values.

Results:

Patients with pure stress urinary incontinence had a mean age of 57.18 ± 10.74 years ( p = 0.12), while those with complicated stress urinary incontinence had a mean age of 58.26 ± 14.39 years ( p = 0.12). UCP in PSUI was 58.58 ± 26.96 cmH2O at rest compared to 61.26 ± 34.17 cmH2O in CSUI ( p = 0.59), with MUCP increasing to 73.93 ± 31.51 and 79.71 ± 36.26 cmH2O during PFMC ( p = 0.001). Between the two measurements, there was an average rise of 26.2% (range 26.2%−32.59%) ( p = 0.001). MUCP during PFM contractions was found to be inversely associated to age ( r = −0.28, p = 0.007).

Conclusion:

The urethral pressure profile is the same for all types of urinary stress incontinence, whether simple or complicated. When comparing UCP at rest to MUCP during PFMC, there is at least a functional 25% increase.
Response to Tubert-Oklander on ‘The talmudic way of thinking cannot suddenly have disappeared from us: Death instinct, anti-Semitism and Jewish traditions in the foundation matrix of group analysis’
Authors: Weimer Martin
Published: July 2022

Tubert-Oklander’s ambivalent reading of my paper seems to have led him to some misreadings of my text. I quote five examples of this.
Parental Influences on Student Self-Determination: Perspectives of College Students With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Zeng Wen , Ju Song , Hord Casey
Published: July 2022

This qualitative study explored perspectives of college students with learning disabilities (LD) regarding their self-determination and parental influences on student self-determination during students’ transition from high school to postsecondary education. Data were collected from in-depth interviews with 12 college students with LD. Qualitative analyses were conducted to examine students’ participation in secondary transition, self-determination behaviors, and parental influences on students’ self-determination. The findings identified five important self-determination behaviors (i.e., postsecondary education goal setting and attainment, self-advocacy, being autonomous, self-awareness, and decision-making) students demonstrated in secondary transition. Four themes pertain to parental influences on student self-determination, including encouraging students to be advocates, fostering students’ academic competency, showing moral support and high expectations, and providing opportunities for students to make decisions. Recommendations for engaging parents to promote student self-determination are provided.
Bi-objective approach for designing a regional waste management system: A case study of Vojvodina (Serbia)
Authors: Ratković Branislava , Dimitrijević Branka , Popović Dražen , Bjelić Nenad
Published: July 2022

This article presents a bi-objective mixed-integer linear model for the waste management system design. Two types of facilities, landfills and transfer stations (TSs), are identified based on two objectives: minimising the total system’s costs and the total negative impact of located facilities on end users as waste generators through a defined pollution decay function. Landfills and TSs are categorised as undesirable facilities due to associated environmental risks. In this article undesirability of a located facility is defined as a two-threshold linear decreasing function of the distance between the end users and the located facility. Also, we considered additional restrictions that no two selected landfills or TSs are within a pre-specified distance from each other, limiting the superimposed pollution generated in these facilities. The model performances are tested on a real-scale example for Vojvodina (Serbia). Results showed that the proposed model has potentials and can be beneficial for government organisations, local authorities and other organisations related to waste management issues.
Elite Communities and Polarization in Neoliberal Society: Consecration in Australia’s and Sweden’s Wealthy Neighbourhoods
Authors: Holmqvist Mikael , Wiesel Ilan
Published: July 2022

‘Elite communities’ are the areas where the wealthy, and even ‘superrich’, live, socialize and raise their children as future economic and financial elites; they are the places where a few lead socially and economically privileged lives. Earlier studies have concentrated on the inner dynamics of these settings, focusing on the way residents are constructed and socialized as elites through their social, communicative and aesthetic abilities that are perceived as exemplary in contemporary neoliberal society. In this paper, we broaden the perspective, by exploring how these areas contribute to polarization, that is, how they generate distinctions based on money, morals and manners that are peculiar to neoliberalism’s idealization of ‘entrepreneurship’, ‘self-management’, ‘leadership’ and the pursuit of an ‘active lifestyle’. Our data come from two major ethnographic studies: one conducted between 2010 and 2015 of Sweden’s wealthiest community, Djursholm, that is populated by the country’s business and financial elites; the other conducted between 2016 and 2019 of three of Australia’s most prestigious and economically privileged suburbs, Toorak (Melbourne), Mosman (Sydney) and Cottesloe (Perth).
Optimal operating condition of precision ball screws based on a transmission efficiency model
Authors: Sun Tiewei , Wang Min , Gao Xiangsheng , Zhao Yingjie
Published: July 2022

The operating condition of ball screws is generally applied to ensure the ball screws with a high transmission efficiency and a high positioning accuracy. Aiming at the optimal operating condition of double-nut ball screws, a transmission efficiency model considering the kinematic analysis and lubrication status was proposed. Firstly, the distributions of the film bearing pressure, asperity bearing pressure, film thickness, and ratio of the asperity bearing pressure were determined based on the Reynolds equation. Subsequently, the transmission efficiency model was established by calculating the friction coefficient and friction torque of ball screws under various lubrication statuses and operating conditions. The optimal operating condition of double-nut ball screws can be determined by estimating the transmission efficiency and lubrication status to improve the manufacturing quality. Finally, a friction torque test based on the simulated model was designed and implemented on a self-designed bed for validation of the proposed model. The comparisons showed that the experimental friction torque was consistent with the simulated friction torque, which verified the effectiveness and correctness of the transmission efficiency model. Results showed that the optimal operating conditions of the entrainment velocity and axial working load could ensure high transmission efficiency and a good lubrication status, which are of great reference to the green processing and manufacturing fields.
Thermal and hydraulic performance of solid-porous compound wavy micro-channel heat sinks
Authors: Nandy Ajoy Kumar , Balasubramanian Karthik
Published: July 2022

In this numerical study, seven distinct three-dimensional unique models of micro-channel heat sinks have been investigated. A solid-porous compound wavy channel with optimum thickness of porous fins has been newly adapted to improve the thermal and hydraulic performance of the forthcoming micro-electronic devices. The finite volume method is used to solve the hydraulic and thermal performance of micro-channel heat sinks, and Darcy–Forchheimer flow models are applied for fluid flow through porous fins. Water is employed as a working fluid. Solid wall and porous fins are made of copper material; during analysis, Reynolds numbers vary from 50 to 300, and the effective thermal conductivity has been considered for porous fins as well as solid-porous compound fins. The effect of solid fins, porous fins, and compound fins are comprehensively determined. The result shows that as the thickness of porous fins increases in compound wavy channel, the heat transfer performance significantly increases up to 63.6% and pressure drop penalty decreases up to 55.32% as compared to the regular straight channel (solid fins) heat sinks. This is due to reduction of viscous shear stress at the place of fluid-porous interface and slip effect of fluids in the porous zone. Hence, the ability of the solid-porous compound wavy micro-channel heat sinks can effectively enhance the cooling performance of high-power electronic devices.
Comparative study of microstructure, mechanical, and wear behavior on Cu/hBN composites sintered through microwave and muffle furnace
Authors: Gnanavelbabu A , Prahadeeswaran M
Published: July 2022

In this work, copper reinforced with different weight percentage of hexagonal boron nitride particles (0, 1.5, 3, and 4.5 wt.% designated as C0, C1, C2, and C3, respectively) were fabricated through powder compaction technique followed by a sintering process. Sintered process was carried out in two different furnaces, microwave and muffle. Initially, the alloy particles were mechanically blended, and then, the processed materials were compacted in ambient condition and sintered at 800 °C for 60 min in both furnaces. Microstructure behavior was analyzed through optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. Physical, mechanical, and wear behavior of the sintered composites were studied as per the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Microstructural study revealed that the microwave sintered composites had better particle dispersion than muffle sintered composites due to rapid heat increasing. The hardness and compression strength of sintered composites decreased as the wt.% of hexagonal boron nitride increased. Due to the weak interfacial bonding between matrix and reinforcement, microwave and muffle sintered C3 composites have 45% and 60% lower hardness values and 66% and 96% lower compression strength than base alloy, respectively. The wear behavior of sintered composites were evaluated by the pin-on-disc setup at ambient and elevated temperatures (200–500 °C), with the varying loads (10–40 N). As the wt.% of solid lubricant increased, the sample's wear resistance improved. At 10 N, microwave and muffle sintered C3 composites have a wear rate of 86% and 80% lower than sintered alloy. Especially, microwave sintered C3 composites had 83% better wear resistance than muffle sintered C3 composite. In elevated conditions, microwave sintered C3 composites had 7% greater wear resistance than muffle sintered C3 composites at 200 °C, owing to the formation of the hexagonal boron nitride tribolayer. The scanning electron microscope images of the worn-out surfaces and wear debris of the sintered composites exposed that the wear mechanisms conquered grooves, delamination, oxide debris, and spalling.
Estimation of fatigue crack growth rate in different zones of friction stir welded AA7039
Authors: Sharma Chaitanya , Verma Vijay , Basanthkumar  , Sharma Sumit Kumar , Tripathi Ajay , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Sonia Pankaj
Published: July 2022

The present research aims to study the fatigue crack propagation and fracture toughness behavior of different zones of friction stir welds of AA7039 alloy, as different zones had varying microstructural and mechanical properties. Compact tension specimens with an initial notch in distinct weld zones parallel to the welding direction were machined using welded plates. Friction stir welding altered the base metal grain structure momentously, refined the grain structure in the weld nugget zone, and coarsen the same in the heat-affected zone. No correlation was observed between grain size and weld zone(s) hardness. Weld tensile properties were slightly inferior to base metal despite significantly higher hardness and alternation of grain structure. The fatigue life was dominated by the cycles consumed in crack propagation than crack initiation. The heat-affected zone had higher quasi-static fracture toughness, energy release rate, and resistance toward fatigue crack growth than other zones, because coarse grains and precipitates acted as effective impediments and slowed crack propagation. The heat-affected zone had a mixed-mode fracture, but the weld nugget zone and thermo-mechanically affected zone had an I mode fracture. On fracture surfaces, fracture characteristics such as microvoid coalescence were apparent.
Identifying and prioritizing the factors to determine best insulation material using Bayesian best worst method
Authors: Ayyildiz Ertugrul , Erdogan Melike
Published: July 2022

The issue related to energy efficiency is being addressed worldwide as a subject that is becoming more and more important every day. The implementation of insulation measures for buildings, which is one of the most crucial measures of energy consumption, is a critical issue that can be applied to both increase efficiency and reduce the greenhouse gas effect. While trying to create buildings that are efficient in terms of energy consumption, the sustainability factor should always be paid regard primarily. Since different insulation materials are used in the building insulation process, it is necessary to consider many factors in the evaluation of these materials. The complex nature of the selection of insulation materials problem requires a multi-criteria decision approach to apply a detailed and systematic evaluation. Considering all of these, it is aimed to evaluate the building insulation materials under the sustainability perspective by using the Bayesian best worst method in this paper. As a result, the weights are calculated and ranking of the criteria is obtained and finally, the most and least important factors are revealed for the building insulation selection problem. The “economic” and “performance” criteria are determined as the most important to determine the best insulation material.
Study on tribological behaviour of aluminium hybrid composites strengthened with novel groundnut shell ash and boron carbide
Authors: Venkatesh L. , Arjunan T.V. , Arulraj M. , Ravikumar K.
Published: July 2022

The current study reveals the dry sliding wear behaviour of novel groundnut shell ash and boron carbide (B4C) reinforced hybrid aluminium matrix composite fabricated through the squeeze casting process. The experiments were carried out on the basis of Taguchi's L27 (3)13 orthogonal array and optimization by genetic algorithm. The input parameters namely reinforcement percentage (wt.%), applied load (20, 30, 40 N), sliding speed (1, 2, 3 m/s) and wear rate, coefficient of friction as a measurable response. The findings of the analysis of variance revealed that the reinforcing percentage was the most important parameter in evaluating hybrid composite wear behaviour. The wear rate and coefficient of friction decrease while increasing the weight percentage of B4C but increase with the addition of groundnut shell ash. The wear resistance of (Al/2.5GSA/7.5B4C) hybrid composite showed more than 50% improvement compared to the base alloy. Worn-out surface morphology was reported with the occurrence of fine groove, delamination and cracks. The prepared hybrid composites show enhanced mechanical and wear resistance suitable for automobile engine brackets, cylinders, pistons etc. The environmentally friendly groundnut shell ash has the ability to function as reinforcement for the growth of composites.
Experimental investigation of the effect of specially manufactured blank (SMB) materials on deep drawing
Authors: Dağtekin Emrah , Gavas Muammer , Köklü Uğur
Published: July 2022

Deep drawing, one of the sheet metal forming processes, has a large area of use in industry. In the deep drawing, sheets having a fixed thickness are usually deep drawn. In general, there are some limitations, which prevent the part from being drawn at the desired depth, in the deep-drawing processes. Some of these consist of the increase in the sheet thickness towards the end of the part, being exposed to ironing, increasing wrinkles, exposure of the material to deformation hardening, and as a result, the fractures occur in the drawn part. Many special methods have been developed to increase the drawing height. One of them is to use blanks having machined edges. In the present study, the edges of the blank material were thinned by using the turning process at certain angles to avoid the above-mentioned negative effects. In this study, Al-1050 aluminum alloy with a thickness of 2 mm and machined edges of 1°, 2°, 3°, and 4° were used. The results were compared with the unmachined blanks. The highest drawing height was obtained with the blank having a 1° machined edge and 95 mm diameter. In addition, the power (approximately 7–31%) needed for deep drawing and material weight were reduced with the help of the deep-drawing process applied by using a specially manufactured blank.
Rethinking haute couture: Julien Fournié in the virtual worlds of the metaverse
Authors: Armitage John
Published: July 2022

This article deals with the concept and practice of haute couture, of the designing and making of high-quality fashion clothes, and haute couture's contemporary engagement with the virtual worlds of the ‘metaverse’, a shared virtual environment that features online gaming and augmented reality. The article is an encounter with these virtual worlds, particularly as they are manifested in the haute couture of the French haute couturier Julian Fournié. To understand Fournié's haute couture, and thus to build a foundation for an interpretation of his most important fashion ideas, it is argued that researchers need to explore Fournié's engagement with virtual worlds and augmented reality from the perspective of German philosopher Martin Heidegger's phenomenological explanation of thinking and rethinking, and then at how Fournié develops and revises the meaning of haute couture.
Study on a variable wall thickness profile of electric scroll compressor used for automobile air conditioner
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Wu Jianhua , Wang Che , Zhong Hua , Zhao Zibo
Published: July 2022

Profile design plays an important role in improving the performance and reliability of scroll compressors. To expand design ideas of variable wall thickness profile (VWTP) of electric scroll compressor used for automobile air conditioner, a method to generate and modify VWTP is developed in this paper. The VWTP is generated according to the generalized profile theory and modified with symmetrical arc modification (SAM) and symmetrical arc plus line modification (SAPLM) at the central part. To make sure that the generated VWTP can form scroll profile, the generation conditions for coefficients of swing radius are discussed in detail. For the VWTP modified with SAM and SAPLM at the central part, a new way to classify scroll chambers and analyze the evolution of scroll chambers is proposed. Geometry analyses such as conjugate points on involute curves and arc segments, volume and its derivative with respect to orbiting angle are conducted as well. The generation and geometry analysis method of VWTP is validated through a design example of VWTP for electric scroll compressor with a displacement of 34 mL. The performance of the electric scroll compressor was tested through experiment and the results show that the cooling capacity can reach 7.5 kW and the COP can reach 3.0.
Comparative analysis of the performance of small H-Darrieus for different pitch control strategies
Authors: Souaissa Khaled , Ghiss Moncef , Bentaher Hatem , Chrigui Mouldi , Maalej Aref
Published: July 2022

The cyclic variations of the Angle of Attack (AoA) during the operation of H-Darrieus VAWT bring them to operate under fatigue-type loads which stakes the blade’s endurance and the lifetime of the wind turbines. At low wind speed, the AoA exceeds the stall angle and causes significant variations in aerodynamic loads on the blades. This behavior is considered one of the most recognized weaknesses of VAWT technology. To mitigate these cyclic variations, one of the approaches adopted is to prescribe either a fixed or dynamic control pitching angle to the rotor blades that prevent them from having too large AoAs. This research aims to investigate the effect of several dynamic pitch angle strategies on the aerodynamic behavior of the H-Darrieus rotor. Four pitch control strategies were pursued to explore the effect of the pitch angle on the H-Darrieus performance and the angle of attack. A novel modified pitch control strategy has been adopted to monitor the rate of change of blade direction that is relative to the incoming wind flow. Insight was devoted to investigating the impact of this parameter on the performance and self-starting capabilities of the H-Darrieus rotor, at optimum and low wind speed. 3D unsteady lifting line free vortex wake-based model was performed. The results revealed two ranges of values for the setting parameter for which the produced torque followed an increasing and decreasing trend and which is still higher than the non-pitched blades. Furthermore, at the optimal TSR, dynamic pitching control showed no significant effect on the VAWT performance, as less than 3% was achieved. At low TSR, the torque increased almost six times as compared to the fixed and zero-pitched blades.
Contrasts and synergies: A comment on Jones (2022)
Authors: Burr Viv , King Nigel
Published: July 2022

In response to Jones’s (2022) article, we argue that if we understand personal construct psychology as being less rationalistic and more holistic than is often assumed, important synergies between it and Jungian analytical psychology can be observed. We argue that the two theories can be considered to align with each other on a number of points. These include taking a similar epistemological position, a recognition of psychological processes operating outside of immediate awareness, and the implications that these can have for personal change. We argue for a more “social” understanding of personal construct psychology than Jones allows for, and further suggest that possibilities for its alignment with social constructionism should not be understated. We conclude that both theories deserve greater visibility in the world of academic psychology, and argue for greater consideration of their potential use in research.