bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Can Water Sector Cooperation Support Democratic Governance? Insights from Morocco
Authors: Houdret Annabelle
Published: March 2021

This paper analyzes how development cooperation can actively support democratic governance through cooperation in the water sector. To answer this question, we develop an analytical approach based on democratization research and on water governance research. We tested the approach in three donor-supported water projects in Morocco and carried out over seventy interviews with key stakeholders.

Our findings show (a) key factors influencing the scope for external support for democratic governance in the water sector, (b) potential negative effects of the support when local elites grasp new resources, and (c) unintended positive spill-over effects of water projects on democratic governance within and beyond the sector (for instance, strengthening formerly marginalized groups). As these empirical findings suggest, there is a potentially large scope of action for supporting democratic governance through water sector cooperation. We therefore highlight the need for more analytical and empirical research on causal interlinkages between these two fields of intervention.
Notes on the species of Abrostola Ochsenheimer, 1816 (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Plusiinae) from China, with the description of a new species
Authors: HU YAN-QING , YU YONG , HUANG ZHEN-FU
Published: March 2021

This paper deals with seven species of Abrostola from China, among which one is new to science. The new species, Abrostola wanglangensis sp. nov., resembles Abrostola korbi Dufay, 1958 (known from Russia) and Abrostola pacifica Dufay, 1960 (known from Russia, Korean Peninsula and Japan). Adults and genitalia are illustrated.
Duvalius (Neoduvalius) lohaji n. sp., a new remarkable subterranean taxon of the isotopic Trechini lineage from Dinaric karst, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae)
Authors: QUÉINNEC ERIC , OLLIVIER ERIC
Published: March 2021

A morphologically distinguished and isolated cavernicolous trechine beetle belonging to the isotopic Duvalius lineage was discovered in Dinarids, Western Bosnia, in hypogean environment, in the cave Mračna Pećina. Duvalius (Neoduvalius) lohaji n. sp., is described, illustrated and compared with the other Duvalius species of the Dinaric range, especially with Neoduvalius taxa. In addition, taxonomical considerations about Duvalius-related genera that exhibit aphaenopsian morphology are given.
New species of the Rhagovelia orientalis species group (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae)
Authors: ZETTEL HERBERT , LACINY ALICE
Published: March 2021

Three new species of the Rhagovelia orientalis species group are described from the Philippines: R. sophiae sp.n. from Catanduanes, R. masbatensis sp.n. from Masbate and Ticao, and R. orientaliformis sp.n. from western Mindanao. The species group now contains 30 species; 24 are endemic to the Philippines.
First record of Metatarsonemus (Acari: Tarsonemidae) from India with description of two new species
Authors: MONDAL PRIYANKAR , KARMAKAR KRISHNA
Published: March 2021

Two new species of Metatarsonemus Attiah, 1970 (Acari: Heterostigmatina: Tarsonemidae), M. badurkani Karmakar & Mondal sp. nov. and M. shirishi Karmakar & Mondal sp. nov., are described based on specimens collected from Ziziphus jujubae (Rhamnaceae), Lagerstroemia speciosa (Lythraceae), Piper betle (Piperaceae) and Albizia lebbeck (Leguminosae) in West Bengal, India. A larval description of M. shirishi and a dichotomous key to the species of Metatarsonemus are provided.
Antarctic population of Anteholosticha sigmoidea (Foissner, 1982) Berger, 2003 (Ciliophora: Urostylidae) with notes on its phylogenetic position
Authors: KIM KANG-SAN , JI SU-JUNG , KIM SANGHEE , MIN GI-SIK
Published: March 2021

Anteholosticha sigmoidea (Foissner, 1982) Berger, 2003 was isolated from a wet soil sample collected on King George Island, Antarctica. Morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analyses based on the gene sequences of small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) were used to identify the species. Anteholosticha sigmoidea can be divided into two groups: group I (three populations described by Foissner 1982) and group II (described by Foissner 1984) based on the morphological differences. Group I differs from group II by the length of the midventral complex (65.1% vs. 52.5% of the cell length), the number of adoral membranelles (25–28 vs. 16–24), and the number of dorsal bristles in kinety 1 (16 bristles vs. nine bristles). Group I differs from the Antarctica population by the absence/presence of the collecting canals of the contractile vacuole and the number of macronuclear nodules (6–12 vs. 13–19). Group II differs from the Antarctica population by the number of macronuclear nodules (five to nine vs. 13–19); the arrangement of cortical granules (forming longitudinal rows vs. irregularly distributed); the length of the midventral complex (64.7% vs. 53.8% of cell length). In the phylogenetic analyses, A. sigmoidea was not nested with any species, and the gene tree indicated polyphyly of the genus Anteholosticha.
Fabrication of Flexible In-Plane Gate Nanowire Transistor on a Paper Substrate
Authors: Liu Huixuan , Tan Rongri
Published: March 2021

Flexible in-plane gate SnO2 nanowire (NW) transistor gated by SiO2 acting as a solid electrolyte was fabricated on a paper substrate by using a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) Ni grid shadow mask. The operating voltage of in-plane gate SnO2 NW
transistor was down to 1 V because of the large electric-double-layer (EDL) capacitance of the SiO2 electrolyte layer. Current on/off ratio (Ion/Ioff) and field-effect electron mobility (µEF) as well as subthreshold slope of this
device were ~106, 74.7cm2·V−1s−1 and 80 mV·dec−1, respectively. The proposed flexible and low-voltage SnO2 NW transistors on paper substrate exhibit immense potential for applications in portable
and flexible electronic devices.
Cleanroom and Template Free Fabrication of Single Polygonal Shaped Microneedle
Authors: Mani Ganesh Kumar , Miyachi Kentaro , Tsuchiya Kazuyoshi
Published: March 2021

For painless skin penetration, microneedles require optimal geometry due to human skin’s inherent elastic properties. The fabrication of desired shape microneedle is very critical. To our knowledge, the polygonal geometry microneedle has not been investigated before. To address
this issue, in this communication, we propose a novel cleanroom free fabrication of single metal microneedle with square cross section. The microneedle was fabricated using sputtering technique without any mask or template. The morphological analysis with respect to various sputtering parameters
via. Argon (Ar) pipe position, rotating speed, working pressure was discussed in detail. The microneedle geometry, its assisted pain was visualized using finite element analysis (FEM). The theoretical evaluations were subsequently compared with experimentally fabricated microneedle. This is
the first step towards more rational design of polygonal microneedle geometry.
Numerical Analysis of Drag Reduction Characteristics of Biomimetic Puffer Skin: Effect of Spinal Height and Tilt Angle
Authors: Zhou Hong-Gen , Jia Chang-Feng , Tian Gui-Zhong , Feng Xiao-Ming , Fan Dong-Liang
Published: March 2021

Based on the migratory phenomenon of the puffer and the cone-shaped structures on its skin, the effects of spinal height and tilt angle on the drag reduction characteristics is presented by numerical simulation in this paper. The results show that the trend of total drag reduction efficiency
changes from slow growth to a remarkable decline, while the viscous drag reduction efficiency changes from an obvious increase to steady growth. The total and viscous drag reduction efficiencies are 19.5% and 31.8%, respectively. In addition, with the increase in tilt angle, the total drag
reduction efficiency decreases gradually; the viscous drag reduction efficiency first increases and then decreases, finally tending to be stable; and the total and viscous drag reduction efficiency reaches 20.7% and 26.7%, respectively. The flow field results indicate that the pressure drag
mainly originates at the front row of the spines and that the total pressure drag can be effectively controlled by reducing the former pressure drag. With the increase in low-speed fluid and the reduction in the near-wall fluid velocity gradient, the viscous drag can be weakened. Nevertheless,
the drag reduction effect is achieved only when the decrement of viscous drag is greater than the increment of pressure drag. This work can serve as a theoretical basis for optimizing the structure and distribution parameters of spines on bionic non-smooth surfaces.
Brittle Fracture Avoidance Technology in Large Structures with Thick Steel Plates
Authors: An Gyubaek , Park Jeongung , Bae Hongyeol
Published: March 2021

The 460-MPa-class steel was developed by thermomechanical control process for shipbuilding, and the maximum plate thickness was 100 mm, which has the fine grain size as 5–20 µm. The surfaces were studied in terms of micro and nano structures, surface roughness, and
surface energy to evaluate the effect of fracture toughness in large steel structure. The thick steel plate has possibility to occur unstable fracture because the fracture toughness will be decrease with increase of thickness. The increase in the temperature in thermomechanical control process
accelerated the surface energy and created both micro and nano structures on the surfaces more effectively. It was effective to avoid brittle fracture in the base metal when the brittle crack was deviated into base metal. The developed 460-MPa-class steel plate improves the brittle fracture
safety despite being a thick steel plate through the fine grain size. They had to be designed in such a manner as to avoid crack initiation, especially in welded joints. In this study, brittle crack arrest designs were developed for large weld construction using arrest design concept and micro
and nano structures in high strength steel plate.
Effect of Y2O3 Dispersion Method on the Microstructure Characteristic of Ni-Base Superalloy
Authors: Lee Young-In , Lee Eui Seon , Oh Sung-Tag
Published: March 2021

An optimum route to fabricate the Ni-base superalloys with homogeneous dispersion of oxide nanoparticles is investigated. Two methods for developing a uniform dispersion of oxide nanopar-ticles are compared on the basis of the resulting microstructure. Microstructural analysis reveals
that the calcined powder from polymeric additive solution with yttrium nitrate and polyvinyl alcohol represented more fine and uniform distribution of Ni, Y and O elements. The densified specimen by spark plasma sintering at 1000 °C using calcined powder exhibits fine microstructure with
oxide nanoparticles compared with that using mechanically alloyed powder, presumably by the particle growth or agglomeration prevention from chelating reaction during the calcination step. The oxide particles in the sintered specimen is identified as Y–Al–O phase, formed by the
reaction of Y2O3 with Al during calcination and sintering.
High Quality AlN Layer Grown on Patterned Sapphire Substrates by Hydride Vapor-Phase Epitaxy: A Route for Cost Efficient AlN Templates for Deep Ultraviolet Light Devices
Authors: Lee Seung-Jae , Jeon Seong-Ran , Song Young Ho , Choi Young-Jun , Oh Hae-Gon , Lee Hae-Yong
Published: March 2021

We report the characteristics of AlN epilayers grown directly on cylindrical-patterned sapphire substrates (CPSS) by hydride vapor-phase epitaxy (HVPE). To evaluate the effect of CPSS, we analyzed the threading dislocation densities (TDDs) of AlN films grown simultaneously on CPSS and
flat sapphire substrate (FSS) by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The corresponding TDD is measured to be 5.69 x 108 cm−2 for the AlN sample grown on the CPSS that is almost an order of magnitude lower than the value of 3.43 × 109 cm−2
on the FSS. The CPSS contributes to reduce the TDs originated from the AlN/sapphire interface via bending the TDs by lateral growth during the coalescence process. In addition, the reduction of direct interface area between AlN and sapphire by CPSS reduce the generation of TDs.
Recovering Nutrients from Waste Black Water Through Multi-Functional Mesoporous Silica
Authors: Kim Eun-Sik , Shim Wang Geun , Cha Jeongmin , Hwang Min-Jin
Published: March 2021

In order to prevent the harmful effects in water phase such as eutrophication, industrial and urban sewages must be treated before discharging into the aquatic environment. In this work, amine grafted magnetic nanoporous silica materials are synthesized and applied as an adsorbent for
the recovery of nutrients from waste black water. The magnetic force could separate the surface func-tionalized nanoporous silica materials from aqueous medium after treatment, and showed the higher adsorption capacity of nutrients than that of the original mesoporous silica. The multi-functional
nanoporous silica adsorbents were effectively removed phosphate and nitrate at 20 °C with the maximum adsorption capacities of 42.5 and 34.9 mg/g, respectively. The overall results indicated that the synthesized multi-functional nanoporous silica sorbents can be a candidate material for
the nutrient recovery in wastewater treatment system.
Electrical Properties of Superconductive Thick Film Wires Obtained from a Melt Process
Authors: Lee Sang Heon
Published: March 2021

YBaCuO superconductive thick film wires were fabricated by employing a melt process with a peak temperature of 1100 °C. Transition temperature and peak critical current density of these YBaCuO superconductive thick film wires were 90 K and 3.5 × 104 A/cm2,
respectively. Their magnetic lev-itation force measured at a temperature of 77 K with a permanent magnet was 65.45 N during magnetic cooling. The repulsion force in the case of field cooling was 10.12 N. A permanent magnet with surface magnetism of 5.25 kG was used to cool down superconductive
specimens, from which magnetic force of 15.62% of peak magnetic field was trapped. A single crystal YBaCuO superconductive thick film wire was obtained after coating powders of raw materials from a melt process employed for the fabrication of YBaCuO superconductive thick film wire.
NO2 Gas Sensor Based on SnSe/SnSe2p-n Hetrojunction
Authors: Rani Sanju , Kumar Manoj , Singh Yogesh , Tomar Monika , Sharma Anjali , Gupta Vinay , Singh Vidya Nand
Published: March 2021

Air pollution is a big concern as it causes harm to human health as well as environment. NO2 can cause several respiratory diseases even in low concentration and therefore an efficient sensor for detecting NO2 at room temperature has become one of the priorities
of the scientific community. Although two dimensional (2D) materials (MoS2 etc.) have shown potential for NO2 sensing at lower temperatures, but these have poor desorption kinetics. However, these limitations posed by slow desorption can be overcome, if a material in
the form of a p-n junction can be suitably employed. In this work, ~150 nm thick SnSe2 thin film has been deposited by thermally evaporating in-house made SnSe2 powder. The film has been studied for its morphological, structural and gas sensing applications. The
morphology of the film showed that the film consists of interconnected nanostructures. Detailed Raman studies further revealed that SnSe2 film had 31% SnSe. The SnSe-SnSe2 nanostructured sensor showed a response of ~112% towards 5 ppm NO2 at room temperature
(30 °C). The response and recovery times were ~15 seconds and 10 seconds, respectively. Limit of detection for NO2 was in sub-parts per million (sub-ppm) range. The device demonstrated a better response towards NO2 compared to NH3, CH4, and H2.
The mechanism of room temperature fast response, recovery and selective detection of NO2 independent of humidity conditions has been discussed based on physisorption, charge transfer, and formation of SnSe-SnSe2 (p-n) nano-junctions. Depositing a nanostructured
film consisting of nano-junctions using an industrially viable thermal evaporation technique for sensing a very low concentration of NO2 is the novelty of this work.
Effect of pHs on the Structure Evolution of Platinum Nanoclusters and Their Surface Plasmon Resonance Properties
Authors: Ullah M. Habib , Moon Haram , Ha Chang-Sik
Published: March 2021

Multi-structured platinum nanoclusters have been prepared through a one-step aqueous synthetic process by controlling pHs. The included structures are closely packed 3-dimensional (3D) dendrites, loosely packed 3D dendrites, short-order dendritic chains, long-order dendritic chains,
flatten nanoclusters and monodisperse nanoparticles. The high resolution transmission electron microscopy images (HRTEM) display that the nanoclusters with a variety of structures are filled with grains of average size ~2.0 nm. The images of the nanoclusters demonstrated that Pt nanoparticles
were not fused to each other, but their aggregations were separated by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The as-prepared Pt nanomaterials were studied by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy to identify their surface plasmon resonance (SPR) activities. The structure dependent SPR signals
have been observed from 200 nm–800 nm.
High-Detectivity Perovskite Photodetector Using Combustion-Processed NiOx as p-Type Buffer Layer
Authors: Kim Woo-Seong , Ji Chan-Hyuk , Oh Se-Young
Published: March 2021

We fabricated a photodetector device consisting of ITO/NiOx/Perovskite/PC60BM/BCP/Ag. The NiOx layer was deposited using the sol–gel and combustion processes. Combustion-processed NiOx films have advantages such
as low annealing temperature, improved perovskite film quality, and better photodetector performance compared to the sol–gel processed NiOx film. The improved film quality, improved charge transfer, and reduced dark current of the device using combustion-processed NiOx
film were investigated by measuring the current–voltage characteristics, transient photocurrent, and impedance analysis. The photodetector using the combustion-processed NiOx achieved a high detectivity of 1.20×1013 Jones and bandwidth of over 2 MHz
at -0.1 V and 550 nm.
Preparation and Electrochemical Analysis of Ni-Based Metal Organic Frameworks Containing Binary Ligands for Capacitor Electrodes
Authors: Oh Hye-Jin , Jung Yongju , Kim Seok
Published: March 2021

As one of the energy storage systems, supercapacitors have quite long charge-discharge cycle life. Among many kinds of electrode materials, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have unique properties such as high specific surface areas and large pore volume as supercapacitor electrode materials.
Nickel-MOFs consist of binary ligand such as 1,3,5-Trimesic acid (H3BTC) and terephthalic acid (TPA) were used as working electrode materials in three electrode cell for capacitor system. When synthesizing MOFs, it is possible to prepare uniform crystals using hydrothermal synthesis.
The morphology of composites was analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Electrochemical properties were measured by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) in 6M KOH electrolyte.
Preparation of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Modified by Urushiol and Their Adsorption on Malachite Green
Authors: Xiao Xue-Qing , Chen Zhi-Yu , Chen Jia-Wen , Chen Qin-Hui
Published: March 2021

The presence of malachite green dye in wastewater has a great negative impact on the environment. At present, industrial wastewater is treated using adsorption, electrolysis and membrane separation, among which the adsorption method is the most widely used wastewater treatment. In this
study mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were prepared using the sol-gel method and modified with the natural polymer urushiol (U) to obtain MSN@Us, which have a core-shell structure. This is the first use of urushiol in dye adsorption. The structures and chemical properties of the MSNs
and MSN@Us were characterized. The adsorption of malachite green by the MSNs and MSN@Us showed that the adsorption rate of MSN@Us was higher than that of MSNs, with an adsorption rate greater than 90%. This study provides a new research direction for the use of urushiol in the treatment of
contaminated wastewater.
Preparation of Epidermal Growth Factor-Modified Targeted Doxorubicin Nanoliposomes and Therapy of Liver Cancer
Authors: Chen Yongan , Cheng Lei , Yu Dan , Shen Jie , Zhou Zhengrong , He Shengli
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study was to prepare doxorubicin-loaded EGF modified PEG-nanoparticles and evaluate its targeting capability and therapeutic effects with EGFR-expressing hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The morphology, particle size distribution, and doxorubicin content of the
nanoparticles were measured, and the drug loading and encapsulation efficiency were calculated. The doxorubicin nanoparticles prepared were regular circular, with good dispersibility, no adhesion, and the average particle size was (136.7±9.3) nm. The average encapsulation efficiency
was (76.67±8.63)%, the average drug loading was (3.86±0.55)%; the drug release rate of doxorubicin was 100% for 12 h, and the doxorubicin nanometer was loaded. The drug release rate of the granules was 52.9% at 24 h and 81.2% at 144 h. The inhibition rate of the proliferation
of hepatocarcinoma cells by the doxorubicin-containing nanoparticles was slower than that of doxorubicin, and the IC50 of the two cells was 1.844 and 0.345 μg/mL, respectively. At the same time, apoptosis and cycle analysis showed that the doxorubicin nanoparticles could significantly
inhibit the cell cycle of hepatoma cells and promote the apoptosis of hepatoma cells. This study successfully produced nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin targeting EGFR, which has a good sustained release effect, and its antitumor effect is stronger than free doxorubicin.
The Effect of Cognitive Load on Auditory Susceptibility During Automated Driving
Authors: Van der Heiden Remo M. A. , Kenemans J. Leon , Donker Stella F. , Janssen Christian P.
Published: March 2021

Objective

We experimentally test the effect of cognitive load on auditory susceptibility during automated driving.

Background

In automated vehicles, auditory alerts are frequently used to request human intervention. To ensure safe operation, human drivers need to be susceptible to auditory information. Previous work found reduced susceptibility during manual driving and in a lesser amount during automated driving. However, in practice, drivers also perform nondriving tasks during automated driving, of which the associated cognitive load may further reduce susceptibility to auditory information. We therefore study the effect of cognitive load during automated driving on auditory susceptibility.

Method

Twenty-four participants were driven in a simulated automated car. Concurrently, they performed a task with two levels of cognitive load: repeat a noun or generate a verb that expresses the use of this noun. Every noun was followed by a probe stimulus to elicit a neurophysiological response: the frontal P3 (fP3), which is a known indicator for the level of auditory susceptibility.

Results

The fP3 was significantly lower during automated driving with cognitive load compared with without. The difficulty level of the cognitive task (repeat or generate) showed no effect.

Conclusion

Engaging in other tasks during automated driving decreases auditory susceptibility as indicated by a reduced fP3.

Application

Nondriving task can create additional cognitive load. Our study shows that performing such tasks during automated driving reduces the susceptibility for auditory alerts. This can inform designers of semi-automated vehicles (SAE levels 3 and 4), where human intervention might be needed.
Unexpected death of an infant suffocated in the course of breastfeeding when the mother fell asleep
Authors: Nya Samir , Abouzahir Hind , Belhouss Ahmed , Benyaich Hicham
Published: March 2021

Death following accidental suffocation due to overlaying is often overlooked, and still attributed to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). We report a case of sudden infant death following accidental suffocation due to breast overlaying during breastfeeding. We report the death of a two-month-old male baby, without medical history, who was found lifeless wedged under his mother’s breast. The mother subsequently admitted that she had fallen asleep while breastfeeding and awoke a few minutes later to find him wedged under her breast and not breathing. External examination of the infant’s body revealed right frontal congestion with reddish-purple colour of the right frontal skin corresponding to where the mother’s breast had overlaid his face with bilateral conjunctival petechiae with no signs of external injury. Internal examination revealed congestion with petechiae marks of the internal side of the right frontal scalp, with moderate congestion and few petechiae marks at the level of the lungs. The histopathological examination showed non-specific passive congestion, with no abnormalities. The cause of death was attributed to accidental suffocation following obstruction of external airways by the mother’s breast during breastfeeding. Accidental asphyxia cases require extensive investigation of the circumstances surrounding death, reconstruction of events, and careful documentation of the findings observed at autopsy with full histological examination which may become relevant in a specific case in later stages of the investigation.
Research on the design and application of capillary heat exchangers for heat pumps in coastal areas
Authors: Bai Zhenpeng , Li Yanfeng , Zhang Jin , Fewkes Alan , Zhong Hua
Published: March 2021

This study investigated the optimal design of a capillary heat exchanger device for the heat pump system and its innovative engineering application in a building. The overall aim was to use a capillary heat exchanger to obtain energy in coastal areas for promoting renewable energy in low-carbon building design. Initially, the main factors affecting the efficiency of the capillary heat exchanger were identified, a mathematical model was then established to analyse the heat transfer process. The analysis showed the flow rate and the capillary length are the key factors affecting the efficiency of the capillary heat exchanger. Secondly, to optimize the structural design of the capillary heat exchanger, the heat energy transfer is calculated with different lengths of the capillary under various flow rates in summer and winter conditions, respectively. Thirdly, a typical building is selected to analyse the application of the capillary heat exchanger for extracting energy in the coastal area. The results show the performance of the selected capillary heat exchanger heat pump system, in winter, the heat energy transfer rate is 60 W/m2 when the seawater temperature is 3.7 °C; in summer, the heat energy transfer rate is 150 W/m2 when the seawater temperature is 24.6 °C. Finally, the above field test results were examined using a numerical simulation model, the test and simulation results agree with each other quite well. This paper is conducive in promoting the development of the capillary heat exchanger heat pump as an innovative sustainable technology for net-zero energy and low carbon buildings using renewable energy in coastal areas.

Practical application: A recently proposed capillary heat exchanger is used as an energy extraction and utilisation device to obtain energy in coastal areas for promoting renewable energy in low-carbon building design. This paper explores the application of a capillary heat exchanger as both cold and heat sources for application in typical low-rise buildings. The analysis of the heat energy transfer rate of a typical low-rise building located in a coastal area in summer and winter provides guidance for the application of capillary heat exchangers.
Fairness Perceptions of the Division of Household Labor: Housework and Childcare
Authors: Koster Tara , Poortman Anne-Rigt , van der Lippe Tanja , Kleingeld Pauline
Published: March 2021

An unequal division of housework has been found to be often regarded as fair, which may explain why women still do most household labor. This study extends previous research by also investigating childcare—an increasingly important part of household labor, which is likely to have a different meaning than housework. It examines how perceptions of fairness for both housework and childcare are influenced by the division of housework, childcare, and paid labor, and whether patterns differ by gender. Data from the Netherlands (men: N = 462; women: N = 638) show that unequal divisions of housework, and especially childcare, are often perceived as fair. When it comes to how an increasingly unequal household labor division is related to unfairness, associations are stronger for women than for men. Fairness of the household labor division is evaluated in relation to total workload and not in isolation from other types of labor.
Cultivating Nature Identity and Ecological Worldviews: A Pathway to Alter the Prevailing Dominant Social Paradigm
Authors: Kunchamboo Vimala , Lee Christina Kwai Choi , Brace-Govan Jan
Published: March 2021

The worsening environmental problems demand a shift from the prevailing Dominant Social Paradigm to the New Ecological Paradigm. Yet, little is known on the conditions necessary for societal adoption of conservation behaviour. This qualitative study explores the social-psychological aspects and processes cultivating ecological identity and worldviews by uncovering the activities, interpretation of experiences that capture mental thoughts, emotions and symbolic meanings within the richness of lived experiences. The findings theorise the process of ecological identity building and offers in-depth insights into the motivations and stages of ecological identities and worldviews that support pro-environmental behaviour. The insights extend the identity theory to illustrate the process of nature identity development to include the stages of identity activation, creation and synthesis; reveal Asian values and beliefs that consumers use to rationalise their consumption behaviour; and provide implications for macromarketing, education and sustainability initiatives, and policy making.
Forensic Analyses and Rehabilitation of a Failed Highway Embankment Slope in Texas
Authors: Boluk Burak , Puppala Anand J. , Chakraborty Sayantan , Bhaskar Puneet
Published: March 2021

A comprehensive investigation was designed and conducted to identify the potential causes of failure of a highway embankment slope in Texas and evaluate the effectiveness of lime treatment to rehabilitate the failed slope. Highway slopes built with high plasticity clays often experience shallow slope failures after exposure to repeated wet–dry weathering cycles. Lime stabilization generally reduces the swell–shrink potential, enhances the engineering properties of problematic clayey soils, and can potentially prevent surficial slope failures. However, exposure to wet–dry cycles can negate some of the benefits of lime treatment and therefore a study was conducted to address the use of this lime treatment to stabilize embankment slopes. Extensive laboratory tests were conducted to study the effect of weathering cycles on the degradation of hydro-mechanical properties of untreated and lime-treated soils. Rainfall-induced slope stability analyses were performed to investigate the probable causes of slope failure and evaluate the stability of lime-treated surficial slope. The optimum stabilizer dosage and treated layer thickness required for the slope rehabilitation were determined based on laboratory tests and numerical analysis results. The stability analysis results indicate that the degradation of surficial soil’s hydro-mechanical properties and the development of a perched water table during prolonged rainfall possibly caused the slope failure. The post-treatment increase in shear strength properties, reduction in moisture fluctuations recorded by embedded moisture sensors, and the presence of newly installed underlying drains are expected to prevent recurrence of surficial slope failures. Salient results from this study are covered in this paper.
The Earned Income Tax Credit and Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Edmonds Amy T. , Moe Caitlin A. , Adhia Avanti , Mooney Stephen J. , Rivara Frederick P. , Hill Heather D. , Rowhani-Rahbar Ali
Published: March 2021

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health problem in the United States with adverse consequences for affected individuals and families. Recent reviews of the literature suggest that economic policies should be further investigated as part of comprehensive strategies to address IPV. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is the nation’s largest anti-poverty program for working parents, and especially benefits low-income women with children, who experience an elevated risk of IPV. The EITC may prevent IPV by offering financial resources; such resources may help individuals experiencing IPV leave abusive relationships or address IPV risk factors, thereby preventing entry into abusive relationships. However, the association between EITC generosity and IPV has not been previously examined. We used state-level and individual-level datasets to examine the association between EITC generosity and IPV. Our state-level data source was the nationally representative National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS; N = ~ 95,000 households per year). For NCVS, we used a difference-in-difference approach to investigate the relationship between state EITC generosity and IPV rates. We also used individual-level longitudinal data from the Fragile Families and Child Well-being Study (n = 13,422 person-waves). Using this cohort of US families at higher risk for IPV, we evaluated associations between estimated EITC benefits based on the mother’s state of residence and number of children and self-reported IPV. In both state- and individual-level analyses, no significant association between state EITC benefits and IPV was found. Factors that may account for these null findings include program ineligibility for individuals who separate from abusive spouses. Future research efforts should more closely examine EITC policy implementation processes and the lived experience of participating in anti-poverty programs for people experiencing IPV.
COVID-19 Pandemic: Inflicted Costs and Some Emerging Global Issues
Authors: Barai Munim K. , Dhar Saikat
Published: March 2021

The new coronavirus or COVID-19 that spread from China in early 2020 has become a global pandemic, infecting and killing millions worldwide. Besides the human cost, the economic and social costs of COVID-19 are turning out to be enormous to most of the societies on the planet. The lingering of the disease has raised concerns related to various economic and strategic issues that are likely to affect the global order per se profoundly. This article discusses the possibility of a worldwide economic recession or depression. The analysis indicates that the world may see more effort to reduce the overdependence on China for the functioning of a global supply chain and an attempt to revert globalization and reshape the industrialization policy. It finds the possibility of a tussle between a resurgent China’s state-centric national and global governance model versus the West-led rule-based global order where democracy and capitalism form the core. The article argues that various emergent developments will bring an increased focus on China. Indeed, all these changes have managerial implications as well. The article has followed a qualitative approach that collects and analyses data by the grounded theory research strategy to develop and explain those emerging global issues, both economic and strategic, of short- to long-term durability.
Relationships Between Oral-Mucosal Pressure Ulcers, Mechanical Conditions, and Individual Susceptibility in Intubated Patients Under Intensive Care: A PCR-Based Observational Study
Authors: Kim Soo Hyun , Nah Hee Sam , Kim Jin Bom , Kim Chul Hoon , Kim Myoung Soo
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

This study was performed to determine the relationship between oral-mucosal pressure ulcer (PU) stage and mechanical conditions and individual susceptibility in intubated patients.

Methods:

We collected 80 patient-days data from an intensive care unit of a 700-bed hospital in Korea. We analyzed oral-mucosal PUs, medical records, amount of saliva, and oral mucosal swabs. Bacterial abundance was enumerated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The χ2 or Fisher’s exact test, t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman’s rho correlation analysis were performed.

Results:

The incidence of overall oral-mucosal PUs was 31.3%, and in the maxillary and mandibular sites were 16.3% and 26.3%, respectively. There were significant correlations between the maxillary site PU stage and restraint use (r = .43, p < .001), albumin level (r = −.22, p = .046), and relative abundance of P. aeruginosa (r = .45, p < .001) and S. aureus (r = −.24, p = .033). In the mandibular sites, there were significant correlations between PU stage and restraint use (r = .30, p = .008), level of consciousness (r = .31, p = .005), and relative abundance of P. aeruginosa (r = .25, p = .028) and S. pneumoniae (r = .22, p = .046).

Conclusions:

Frequent monitoring and repositioning the mechanical pressure on the oral-mucosa could be an effective preventive strategy against the development and advancement of oral-mucosal PUs. Additionally, monitoring the oral microorganisms can prevent advanced stage oral-mucosal PUs in intubated patients.
Parental autonomy support in relation to preschool aged children’s behavior: Examining positive guidance, negative control, and responsiveness
Authors: Linkiewich Delane , Martinovich Vincenza VA , Rinaldi Christina M , Howe Nina , Gokiert Rebecca
Published: March 2021

This study evaluated the relationship between parental autonomy support and preschool-aged children’s display of autonomy. Specifically, we examined if mothers’ and fathers’ use of positive guidance, negative control, and responsiveness during parent-child interactions predicted children’s autonomous behavior. One hundred families comprised of mothers, fathers, and their children participated. Parent-child dyads were filmed engaging in an unstructured play task and interactions were coded using the Parent-Child Interaction System. Mothers’ use of negative control and father’s use of positive guidance, negative control, and responsiveness predicted children’s displays of autonomy, whereas mothers’ positive guidance and responsiveness did not. The results offer insight into how parents play unique roles in promoting their children’s autonomy, which has implications for practitioners and researchers who work with families. Our findings provide examples of behaviors that parents can employ to promote their children’s autonomy.
Prediction of internal geometry and tensile behavior of 3D woven solid structures by mathematical coding
Authors: Jayan Vivek R , Tripathi Lekhani , Behera Promoda Kumar , Petru Michal , Behera BK
Published: March 2021

The internal geometry of composite material is one of the most important factors that influence its performance and service life. A new approach is proposed for the prediction of internal geometry and tensile behavior of the 3 D (three dimensional) woven fabrics by creating the unit cell using mathematical coding. In many technical applications, textile materials are subjected to rates of loading or straining that may be much greater in magnitude than the regular household applications of these materials. The main aim of this study is to provide a generalized method for all the structures. By mathematical coding, unit cells of 3 D woven orthogonal, warp interlock and angle interlock structures have been created. The study then focuses on developing code to analyze the geometrical parameters of the fabric like fabric thickness, areal density, and fiber volume fraction. Then, the tensile behavior of the coded 3 D structures is studied in Ansys platform and the results are compared with experimental values for authentication of geometrical parameters as well as for tensile behavior. The results show that the mathematical coding approach is a more efficient modeling technique with an acceptable error percentage.
A First Step Toward the Operationalization of the Learned Non-Use Phenomenon: A Delphi Study
Authors: Hirsch Theresa , Barthel Maria , Aarts Pauline , Chen Yi-An , Freivogel Susanna , Johnson Michelle J. , Jones Theresa A. , Jongsma Marijtje L. A. , Maier Martina , Punt David , Sterr Annette , Wolf Steven L. , Heise Kirstin-Friederike
Published: March 2021

Background

The negative discrepancy between residual functional capacity and reduced use of the contralesional hand, frequently observed after a brain lesion, has been termed Learned Non-Use (LNU) and is thought to depend on the interaction of neuronal mechanisms during recovery and learning-dependent mechanisms.

Objective

Albeit the LNU phenomenon is generally accepted to exist, currently, no transdisciplinary definition exists. Furthermore, although therapeutic approaches are implemented in clinical practice targeting LNU, no standardized diagnostic routine is described in the available literature. Our objective was to reach consensus regarding a definition as well as synthesize knowledge about the current diagnostic procedures.

Methods

We used a structured group communication following the Delphi method among clinical and scientific experts in the field, knowledge from both, the work with patient populations and with animal models.

Results

Consensus was reached regarding a transdisciplinary definition of the LNU phenomenon. Furthermore, the mode and strategy of the diagnostic process, as well as the sources of information and outcome parameters relevant for the clinical decision making, were described with a wide range showing the current lack of a consistent universal diagnostic approach.

Conclusions

The need for the development of a structured diagnostic procedure and its implementation into clinical practice is emphasized. Moreover, it exists a striking gap between the prevailing hypotheses regarding the mechanisms underlying the LNU phenomenon and the actual evidence. Therefore, basic research is needed to bridge between bedside and bench and eventually improve clinical decision making and further development of interventional strategies beyond the field of stroke rehabilitation.
Unmasking the Difficulty of Listening to Talkers With Masks: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Giovanelli Elena , Valzolgher Chiara , Gessa Elena , Todeschini Michela , Pavani Francesco
Published: March 2021

Interactions with talkers wearing face masks have become part of our daily routine since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using an on-line experiment resembling a video conference, we examined the impact of face masks on speech comprehension. Typical-hearing listeners performed a speech-in-noise task while seeing talkers with visible lips, talkers wearing a surgical mask, or just the name of the talker displayed on screen. The target voice was masked by concurrent distracting talkers. We measured performance, confidence and listening effort scores, as well as meta-cognitive monitoring (the ability to adapt self-judgments to actual performance). Hiding the talkers behind a screen or concealing their lips via a face mask led to lower performance, lower confidence scores, and increased perceived effort. Moreover, meta-cognitive monitoring was worse when listening in these conditions compared with listening to an unmasked talker. These findings have implications on everyday communication for typical-hearing individuals and for hearing-impaired populations.
A Novel Retensioning Technique for Arthroscopic Repair of PASTA Lesions: A Clinical and Radiologic Outcome Study of 24 Shoulders
Authors: Kim Su Cheol , Jung Jong Ho , Lee Sang Min , Yoo Jae Chul
Published: March 2021

Background:

There is no consensus on the ideal treatment for partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) lesions without tendon damage.

Purpose:

To introduce a novel “retensioning technique” for arthroscopic PASTA repair and to assess the clinical and radiologic outcomes of this technique.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was performed on 24 patients whose PASTA lesion was treated using the retensioning technique between January 2011 and December 2015. The mean ± SD patient age was 57.6 ± 7.0 years (range, 43-71 years), and the mean follow-up period was 57.6 ± 23.4 months (range, 24.0-93.7 months). Sutures were placed at the edge of the PASTA lesion, tensioned, and fixed to lateral-row anchors. After surgery, shoulder range of motion (ROM) and functional scores (visual analog scale [VAS] for pain, VAS for function, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] score, Constant score, Simple Shoulder Test, and Korean Shoulder Score) were evaluated at regular outpatient visits; at 6 months postoperatively, repair integrity was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results:

At 12 months postoperatively, all ROM variables were improved compared with preoperative values, and shoulder abduction was improved significantly (136.00° vs 107.08°; P = .009). At final follow-up (>24 months), the VAS pain, VAS function, and ASES scores improved, from 6.39, 4.26, and 40.09 to 1.00, 8.26, and 85.96, respectively (all P < .001). At 6 months postoperatively, 21 of the 24 patients (87.5%) underwent follow-up MRI; the postoperative repair integrity was Sugaya type 1 or 2 for all of these patients, and 13 patients showed complete improvement of the lesion compared with preoperatively.

Conclusion:

The retensioning technique showed improved ROM and pain and functional scores as well as good tendon healing on MRI scans at 6-month follow-up in the majority of patients. Thus, the retensioning technique appears to be reliable procedure for the PASTA lesion.
Perioperative Indicators of Prognosis in Acute Invasive Fungal Sinusitis
Authors: Gardner James Reed , Hunter Courtney J. , Vickers Donald , King Deanne , Kanaan Alissa
Published: March 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study is to identify perioperative independent prognostic factors that are available to the consulting team to aid in determining prognosis in patients with acute invasive fungal sinusitis.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review of patients with biopsy‐proven acute invasive fungal sinusitis from 2015 to 2018.

Setting

Academic tertiary care center.

Methods

Twenty‐one patients were included from our single‐center retrospective review. Kaplan‐Meier graphs were created, and the Breslow test used to compare the curves to obtain P values. A univariate Cox regression analysis was performed on the data that were significant at 3 months from diagnosis.

Results

Twenty‐one patients were included, and 17 (76%) had an underlying hematologic malignancy. Overall survival was 71% and 52% at 1 and 3 months, respectively, and 94% of patients with hematologic malignancy had an absolute neutrophil count ≤1 at diagnosis. Absolute neutrophil count values and fungal species were not associated with a difference in prognosis. Factors associated with decreased survival included current smoking and the absence of a rhinologist on the treatment team at the initial or subsequent debridement (hazard ratio, 3.03). Laboratory values such as beta‐D‐glucan and galactomannan were assessed in addition to disease extension at diagnosis.

Conclusion

This study presents a retrospective review of a single institution’s experience with acute invasive fungal sinusitis. Subspecialty level of care likely improves overall survival in these patients, whereas current smoking may imply a worse prognosis.