bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring adaptability and proactivity across cultural contexts
Authors: Villalobos Jennifer , Chan Lawrence B , Chen Christopher , Donaldson Stewart I
Published: December 2020

Behavioral performance indicators linked to traits of adaptability and proactivity have been increasingly promoted in workplace management initiatives as predictors of high performance and employee potential (Grant and Ashford, 2008; Griffin et al., 2007). While these behaviors have been found to be helpful heuristics in Western workplace research samples, additional insight would help managers understand how they vary across geographical regions amidst rapidly expanding multinational markets. This study aimed to examine the relationship between workplace performance behaviors of adaptability and proactivity across diverse geographical regions, including North and South America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. Using data gathered from professional employees from global companies, the study sample consisted of 3,860 participants working across 15 countries (Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa, and the United States). The results indicate that there is a statistically significant relationship between work performance adaptability and proactivity across countries, though a much smaller effect across groupings based on subsets of high versus low economic gross domestic product (GDP). Implications for talent management approaches to better develop these constructs cross-culturally are discussed.
After precarity: A geography of dark news and digital hope on the island of Lolland
Authors: Ledstrup Martin
Published: December 2020

Journalists and artists in the global North tend to amplify certain geographies as go-to scenes of post-industrial abandonment. But sometimes those who live in these geographies foreground hope against this dark imaginary. How do we make sense of a situation that seemingly calls for an analysis of precarious life when those who live in that situation do not want to be understood in precarious terms? By enjoining cultural representations and empirical fieldwork on the Danish island of Lolland with Eve Kosofky Sedgwick’s essay on symptomatic and reparative reading, I show how a troubled post-industrial geography challenges us to open an analysis where both precarity and hope remain available. I begin with interpreting the figuration of Lolland in media and popular culture as symptomatic reading, a reoccurring interpretation of the island as precarity’s prime example. I then work through the locally popular hash-tag of #LollandFalsterLovestorm to show how the jamming of darkness by digital optimism can foreground reparative reading, a willingness to analyze the place in terms of the affective resources it has to offer the self. I finally bring out the mutuality of reparative and symptomatic analysis on Lolland: in representations, strategies and the ordinary, hope moves through precarity in geographies of compromised upwards mobility.
Numerical study on the interaction between the internal and surface waves by a 2D hydrofoil moving in two-layer stratified fluid
Authors: Kim Kwan-Woo , Lee Ju-Han , Paik Kwang-Jun , Koo Weoncheol , Kim Young-Gyu
Published: December 2020

The water temperature in the ocean varies according to its depth and generates a thermocline layer. An internal wave can be excited by an object moving near the thermocline layer because the density changes owing to the water temperature. The internal wave propagates and interacts with the surface wave. This study aims to investigate the internal wave propagation in a two-layer stratified flow, generated by 2D hydrofoil (NACA0012) using a RANS based CFD model. Eulerian multiphase methods were used for the modeling of the two-layer stratified flow; Volume of Fluid (VOF) model and mixture model. A two-layer stratified fluid consisting of air(ρair)-water1(ρw1)-water2(ρw2) is considered instead of the thermocline layer to simplify the numerical simulations. The generation and propagation of the internal wave were investigated, with different configurations of the speed and submergence depth of the hydrofoil. The result suggested that the VOF model shows better agreement with the experimental data compared to the mixture model.
Generational brokerage: An intersubjective perspective on managing temporal orientations in family firm succession
Authors: Magrelli Vittoria , Rondi Emanuela , De Massis Alfredo , Kotlar Josip
Published: December 2020

Interactions between family members of different generations often unleash powerful tensions in family firms. Intergenerational tensions can be particularly prominent during intra-family succession as a result of the different temporal orientations of senior and junior generation family members. However, scant systematic attention has thus far been paid to understanding the temporality of intergenerational tensions in family firms. Through an embedded case study, we explore the mediation process that helps family firms manage intergenerational tensions by way of temporal work. Our investigation of an advisory firm and its clients led us to identify generational brokerage as the intersubjective process through which temporal work enables generations toward the joint understanding of temporal orientations. Our theoretical insights have significant implications for developing a temporal view of succession and add novel important knowledge to research on mediation and time. Indeed, we show that generational brokerage is a dialectic construct with organizing properties able to blend disparate research streams by going beyond a unidirectional forward-flowing logic of time in examining organizational processes.
Under threes’ play with tablets
Authors: Marsh Jackie , Lahmar Jamal , Plowman Lydia , Yamada-Rice Dylan , Bishop Julia , Scott Fiona
Published: December 2020

This paper outlines the findings from a study that examined the tablet and app use of children aged from birth to three. The aim of the study was to examine how far use of tablets and apps promoted play and creativity. A total of 954 UK parents of children aged from birth to three who had access to a tablet in the home completed an online survey that explored the children’s use of apps. Ethnographic case studies of four children aged from birth to three were undertaken in homes in order to explore in greater depth issues that emerged in the survey. The paper reports on the way in which the use of tablets promoted play and creativity across cognitive, physical social and cultural domains. The implications for policy and research are outlined.
The ripple effect: Examining the impact on parents of an Abecedarian early child care intervention in an urban social housing development
Authors: Koshyk Jamie , Wilson Taylor , Stewart-Tufescu Ashley , D’Souza Melanie , Chase Robert M , Mignone Javier
Published: December 2020

The Abecedarian Approach is an internationally recognised early childhood intervention program that has shown long-term positive outcomes for children living in low SES communities. However, there are few studies examining the broader influence of such interventions for young children on the lives of their parents. This article describes the findings of a qualitative study exploring the perceptions and experiences of parents whose children attend an Abecedarian early intervention program located in an urban social housing complex. Eighteen parents whose children had attended the program for a minimum of one year were interviewed. The main themes that emerged were: strengthened relationships between parents and program staff, as well as between parents themselves, particularly supported through the home visitor; increased awareness among parents about early development and of their role in supporting child development; and opportunities for parents’ personal growth. The findings suggest that high quality early child intervention programs, such as the Abecedarian Approach, can positively impact the lives of parents.
The identification of variables influencing personal lighting conditions of office workers
Authors: van Duijnhoven J , Aarts MPJ , van den Heuvel ER , Kort HSM
Published: December 2020

The main reason lighting control is being applied is to reduce energy consumption. However, there are many more reasons for lighting control to be optimised in buildings. Lighting systems can be controlled to enhance or optimise effects beyond vision. Automatic control of electric lighting systems or daylight systems is one way of adjusting someone’s personal lighting conditions. In addition, it is relevant for office workers to know how they can adjust their personal lighting conditions themselves in order to optimise their effects beyond vision (e.g. alertness). Therefore, this article describes a process of identifying predictors that influence personal lighting conditions. The dataset used in this article is gathered during a field study in the Netherlands in spring 2017. This article describes linear mixed models for daily mean illuminances and correlated colour temperatures both throughout the entire day and only at work. These models demonstrated that weather conditions, fixed and flexible personal conditions, office worker’s daily schedule and workspace characteristics influence personal lighting conditions. Weather conditions and fixed and flexible personal conditions though are difficult or impossible to control by the office workers themselves. However, adjustments in personal lighting conditions can be accomplished by the office workers themselves by changing their daily schedules and the workspace characteristics. The findings show that these two predictor categories may explain 4% to 20% of the variance in personal lighting conditions.
Are frequent offenders more difficult to find and less willing to participate? An analysis of unit non-response in an online survey among offenders
Authors: Bernasco Wim , Lammers Marre , Menting Barbara , Ruiter Stijn
Published: December 2020

The interpretation of research findings based on self-reported delinquency requires knowledge of how response rates depend on the attributes of potential respondents, including their prior offending. The purpose of the present study was to quantify the extent to which, in a sample of offenders, the two main determinants of non-response – non-contact and refusal – depend on prior offending frequency. We used binomial and multinomial regression models to assess whether frequent offenders are more difficult to contact and less willing to participate in online surveys. These hypotheses are tested on a sample of offenders who were invited by regular mail to participate in the Online Activity Space Inventory Survey (OASIS), an online survey on mobility and safety. Controlling for gender and age as potential confounders, our findings do not confirm that frequent offenders are less likely to be successfully contacted, but they do confirm that, if contacted, they are less likely to participate. Response rates in offender-based research are selective and thus potentially biased towards infrequent offenders. They generally favour conservative estimates and conclusions, implying that any associations found between crime and its predictors are likely stronger in reality.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate ameliorates glucolipid metabolism and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Li Wenru , Zhu Chaonan , Liu Tianheng , Zhang Weifang , Liu Xu , Li Peng , Zhu Tiantian
Published: December 2020

Aims:

The objective of this study was to explore the effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Main methods:

Male Sprague–Dawley rats were allocated into six groups. The control group received a conventional diet. The diabetic group received a high-sucrose high-fat (HSHF) diet for 4 weeks and then was fasted and injected with streptozotocin (STZ); subsequently, the rats received a HSHF diet for another 4 weeks to develop diabetes. The four treatment groups were diabetic rats that received intragastric metformin (500 mg/kg/day) or EGCG (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day) for 10 weeks. All groups except the control group received a HSHF diet throughout the experiment. Several biochemical parameters such as fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PBG), liver glycogen, muscle glycogen, fasting serum insulin (FSI), homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), free fatty acids (FFA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured to assess the effects of EGCG on glycemic control, insulin resistance, lipid profile, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, oxidative stress in pancreatic islet β cells was detected by dihydroethidium staining.

Key findings:

A HSHF diet and STZ injection induced T2DM, as indicated by changed blood glucose and body weight, which was accompanied by insulin resistance, an altered lipid profile, and oxidative stress. Interestingly, EGCG treatment dose-dependently recovered these indexes.

Significance:

EGCG successfully ameliorated glycemic control and insulin sensitivity while reducing the lipid profile and oxidative stress in a T2DM rat model.
The Effect of Female Economic Empowerment Interventions on the Risk of Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Eggers del Campo Isabel , Steinert Janina Isabel
Published: December 2020

Women’s economic empowerment is an essential component of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Not only is it an end in itself but it has further been promoted for its potential to create positive externalities, including the reduction of intimate partner violence (IPV). However, the link between economic empowerment and the risk of IPV remains theoretically ambiguous. Marital dependency theory predicts that women with more financial resources hold higher bargaining power and are in a better position to leave potentially abusive relationships. Conversely, Resource theory posits that an increase in women’s financial resources may clash with traditional gender roles, which may prompt their partner to reassert their status through violent means. In light of this debate, we conducted a meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials assessing the impact of economic empowerment interventions on IPV. Based on a total sample size of 44,772 participants and robust variance estimation, our meta-analysis shows that women’s economic empowerment was associated with a significant reduction in the pooled measure of emotional, sexual, and physical IPV. We further documented tentative evidence suggesting that these effects may be amplified when additional gender sensitization training is included in such programs. Despite the overall positive effects, some included studies reported increases in IPV, primarily in the form of partners exerting controlling behavior and dominance over financial resources. Our results therefore emphasize a need to prioritize women’s safety in the process of designing economic empowerment programs and to closely monitor the potential risk of conflict and violence within beneficiaries’ households.
Permeability prediction of fibrous porous media by the lattice Boltzmann method with a fluid-structure boundary reconstruction scheme
Authors: Ando Suguru , Kaneda Masayuki , Suga Kazuhiko
Published: December 2020

The D3Q27 lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) combined with the fluid-structure boundary reconstruction (fsBR) scheme and the interpolated bounce back (IPBB) method is extensively evaluated to predict the permeability of nonwoven fibrous porous media. The fsBR-IPBB method transfers digitally defined step-like boundary data, e.g. the three-dimensional structure data obtained by the X-ray computed tomography, to continuous smooth boundary data via level-set functions. It leads to highly accurate calculations despite low lattice resolutions of thin fibers with circular cross-sectional shapes, compared to the conventional half-way bounce back (HWBB) method. The fsBR-IPBB method is first applied to predict the permeability of two different arrays of impermeable circular cylinders and verified by comparing the results with the data in the literature. We then validate the method referring to the numerically and experimentally obtained permeability of six types of nonwoven fabrics prepared by the industrial hydroentanglement process. Finally, the discussion on the applicability and the limitation of the macroscopic correlation models to estimate permeability of porous media is carried out. The results show that although the calculated permeability is in reasonable agreement with the measured one with an error of 8.1–16.3%, analytical or empirical correlation models fail to give the correct trend due to the highly inhomogeneous and anisotropic properties of hydroentangled nonwoven fabrics.
Cowboys of the Sea: Pirates as Desirous Malcontents, but Not Really
Authors: Alexander Bryant Keith
Published: December 2020

This autoethnographic piece served as the introduction of the panel on “cowboys and pirates” at the International Congress on Qualitative Inquiry (2018) to which many of these papers in part, and whole, were in response. The author charts a particular parallel between his interest in cowboys and pirates across different shores of land and sea with an emphasis on the queer performativity of Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow, and then a rejection of the romanticization of modern-day pirates and the effects of real malcontent.
The Day I Was Taken by Pirates and Made to Dance a Jig
Authors: Rusted Brian
Published: December 2020

Employing sensory, visual, and poetic modes of inquiry, this piece explores relationships between pirate lore of Newfoundland, settler colonialism, and embodied experience. Situated in coastal communities known in history and folklore for harboring pirates, I use memory, fieldwork, and autoethnography to articulate fluid and unsettled aspects of the colonial project. Geographer and sociologist James Overton writing about the invention and commodification of Newfoundland culture two decades ago noted Memorial University of Newfoundland’s role in the region’s “cultural revival” while researchers engaged in community development initiatives. Such revived circuits of tangible or intangible heritage were often the product of (displaced or deterritorialized) intelligentsia. Portrayed as oppositional to dominant political forces, these contemporary pirates, plundered local culture through academic theories, and reconnected local identity with settler history and knowledge. The subsequent revived constructions of place in the work of tourist-oriented theater initiatives, literature, music, or restorations of the built environment reproduce the origins of settler culture for tourist consumption. While offering class-based critiques of the economic experience of settler life, they do not often interrogate the premises, mechanisms, and consequences of settler culture. The creative research underlying this poetic inquiry allows for critical associations to be made between settler tropes, their continued performance and re-performance, and the displacement and erasure of the region’s original peoples.
Role of COL3A1 and POSTN on Pathologic Stages of Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Shao-wei , Zhang Nan , Wang Na
Published: December 2020

Background:

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a primary malignant tumor originating from the esophageal of the epithelium. Surgical resection is a potential treatment for EC, but this is only appropriate for patients who have locally resectable lesions suitable for surgery. However, most patients with EC are at a late stage when diagnosed. Therefore, there is an urgent need to further explore the pathogenesis of EC to enable early diagnosis and treatment.

Methods:

Our study downloaded 2 expression spectrum datasets (GSE92396 and GSE100942) in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. GEO2 R was used to identify the Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the samples of EC and control. Using the DAVID tool to make the Functional enrichment analysis. Constructing A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. Identifying the Hub genes. The impact of hub gene expression on overall survival and their expression based on immunohistochemistry were analyzed. Associated microRNAs were also predicted.

Results:

There were 36 common DEGs identified. The analysis of GO and KEGG results shown that the variations were predominantly concentrated in the extracellular matrix (ECM), ECM organization, DNA binding, platelet activation, and ECM-receptor interactions. COL3A1 and POSTN had high expression in EC tissues which was compared with their expression in healthy tissues. Analysis of pathologic stages showed that when COL3A1 and POSTN were highly expressed, the stage of the pathologic of EC patients was relatively high (P < 0.005).

Conclusions:

COL3A1 and POSTN may play an important role in the advancement and occurrence of EC. These genes could provide some novel ideas and basis for the diagnosis and targeted treatment of EC.
The Lung Adenocarcinoma Microenvironment Mining and Its Prognostic Merit
Authors: Zhao Rongchang , Ding Dan , Yu Wenyan , Zhu Chunrong , Ding Yan
Published: December 2020

Background:

As a common pathological type of lung cancer, lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is mainly treated by surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and radiotherapy. Although a relatively mature treatment system has been established, there are few studies on the microenvironment of LUAD.

Material and Methods:

The immune and stromal scores of patients from the LUAD cohort in the TCGA database were obtained by using ESTIMATE. The relationship of immune and stromal scores with the clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival of LUAD patients was assessed by R. GO, KEGG and Cox regression analyses were employed to analyze intersecting genes and to identify reliable prognostic markers. The identified genes were also analyzed in the GEPIA database to assess their correlations with survival, and these relationships were verified with the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database.

Results:

The immune score was related to the survival time and tumor topography of LUAD patients. There was a significant correlation between stromal score and tumor metastasis. Through multivariate analysis, stage (HR = 1.640, 95% CI = 1.019-2.642, P = 0.042) and risk score (HR = 1.036, 95% CI = 1.026-1.046, P < 0.001). The genes (ARHGAP15, BTLA, CASS4, CLECL1, FAM129C, STAP1, TESPA1, and S100P) showed credible prognostic value in LUAD patients in TCGA through GEPIA database online analysis and verification in the Kaplan-Meier plotter database.

Conclusions:

In the microenvironment of lung adenocarcinoma, the differentially expressed genes screened by immune score and stromal score have certain value in evaluating the survival/prognosis of patients, as well as the invasion and progression of tumors.
microRNA-214 Prevents Traits of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma via VEGFA and Bcl-2
Authors: Ma Xianpeng , Wu Di , Zhang Xiaodong , Shao Xiao , Hu Guangyao
Published: December 2020

Background:

Dysregulation of microRNA-214 (miR-214) has been indicated in different tumors. The function of miR-214 in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is yet to be deciphered. The current study aimed to investigate the specific mechanism underpinning CSCC development with the involvement of miR-214 and its putative targets.

Methods:

Microarray analysis of CSCC and adjacent tissues was carried out to filter the most significant downregulated miRNA. Survival analysis of patients was subsequently implemented, followed by miRNA expression determination in CSCC cells. Gain-of-function assays were performed to evaluate its function on cellular level. The targets of the determined miRNA were predicted and their expression in CSCC and adjacent tissues was evaluated. The targeting relationship was analyzed by dual-luciferase assays. Finally, rescue experiments were conducted.

Results:

miR-214 was reduced in CSCC tissues and cells, and the survival of patients harboring overexpression of miR-214 was higher. miR-214 restoration increased CSCC cell apoptosis, while decreased proliferative, invasive and migratory activities. miR-214 interacted with vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). VEGFA and Bcl-2, overexpressed in CSCC tissues and cells, were negatively correlated with miR-214. Moreover, VEGFA and Bcl-2 overexpression reversed the anti-tumor phenotypes of miR-214 on CSCC cells. miR-214 disrupted the Wnt/β-catenin pathway through VEGFA and Bcl-2 in the CSCC cells.

Conclusion:

Our data demonstrates that miR-214 exerts a suppressing role in CSCC. The discovery of novel targets such as miR-214 and VEGFA/Bcl-2 may facilitate the development of therapeutic options.
Tumor Vessel Normalization: A Window to Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Li Sai , Zhang Qi , Hong Yupeng
Published: December 2020

Hostile microenvironment produced by abnormal blood vessels, which is characterized by hypoxia, low pH value and increasing interstitial fluid pressure, would facilitate tumor progression, metastasis, immunosuppression and anticancer treatments resistance. These abnormalities are the result of the imbalance of pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors (such as VEGF and angiopoietin 2, ANG2). Prudent use of anti-angiogenesis drugs would normalize these aberrant tumor vessels, resulting in a transient window of vessel normalization. In addition, use of cancer immunotherapy including immune checkpoint blockers when vessel normalization is achieved brings better outcomes. In this review, we sum up the advances in the field of understanding and application of the concept of tumor vessels normalization window to treat cancer. Moreover, we also outline some challenges and opportunities ahead to optimize the combination of anti-angiogenic agents and immunotherapy, leading to improve patients’ outcomes.
COMMD1 upregulation is involved in copper efflux from ischemic hearts
Authors: Li Chen , Wang Tao , Xiao Ying , Li Kui , Meng Xia , James Kang Y
Published: December 2020

Copper depletion is associated with myocardial ischemic infarction, in which copper metabolism MURR domain 1 (COMMD1) is increased. The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that the elevated COMMD1 is responsible for copper loss from the ischemic myocardium, thus worsening myocardial ischemic injury. Mice (C57BL/6J) were subjected to left anterior descending coronary artery permanent ligation to induce myocardial ischemic infarction. In the ischemic myocardium, copper reduction was associated with a significant increase in the protein level of COMMD1. A tamoxifen-inducible, cardiomyocyte -specific Commd1 knockout mouse (C57BL/6J) model ( COMMD1CMC▲/▲) was generated using the Cre-LoxP recombination system. COMMD1CMC▲/▲ and wild-type littermates were subjected to the same permanent ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery. At the 7th day after ischemic insult, COMMD1 deficiency suppressed copper loss in the heart, along with preservation of vascular endothelial growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 expression and the integrity of the vascular system in the ischemic myocardium. Corresponding to this change, infarct size of ischemic heart was reduced and myocardial contractile function was well preserved in COMMD1CMC▲/▲ mice. These results thus demonstrate that upregulation of COMMD1 is at least partially responsible for copper efflux from the ischemic heart. Cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of COMMD1 helps preserve the availability of copper for angiogenesis, thus suppressing myocardial ischemic dysfunction.
Aneurysm Excision With Arteriovenous Anastomosis Proximalization for Dialysis Fistula Aneurysm Treatment
Authors: Góra Rafał , Bojakowski Krzysztof , Piasecki Antoni , Kasprzak Dominika , Kaźmierczak Stanisław , Andziak Piotr
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

Dialysis fistula aneurysms are common complications, which require surgical revision in selective cases. The results of aneurysm excision with arteriovenous anastomosis proximalization for the treatment of dialysis fistula aneurysms have been described below.

Methods:

Patients qualified for the reconstruction of a dialysis fistula aneurysm underwent a duplex ultrasound examination. The diameter, length of the aneurysm, relations with the artery, thrombus presence and blood flow were determined. In the case of favorable anatomical conditions, we performed aneurysm excision with arteriovenous anastomosis proximalization as the procedure of choice. Patients, dialysis access, operative data and the results obtained during a median follow-up of 41 months were then analyzed.

Findings:

Since 2012, we have performed 20 aneurysm excision combined with primary anastomosis as dialysis fistula aneurysm treatment. In 18 patients, aneurysm excision was combined with simple re-anastomosis in the more proximal arterial segment. In 2 autogenous radio-cephalic forearm direct fistulas the aneurysm excision was combined with switching anastomosis type from side-to-end to end-to-end. The 12- and 24-month primary patency rates of corrected fistulas in the observed group were 94.7% and 82.4%, respectively. No early complications were noted. In 7 patients (35%) we observed late complications, which required reintervention or led to access failure. Dialysis fistula thrombosis as an indication for treatment was a significant risk factor for late re-occlusion.

Discussion:

A simple primary reconstruction by arteriovenous anastomosis proximalization and aneurysm excision for the surgical correction of dialysis fistula aneurysms has potential benefits compared to established methods—aneurysmorraphy and aneurysm excision with a vascular prosthesis bypass. The obtained data showed the efficiency, safety and excellent long-term results of this procedure.
Territorial Peace Without Territorial Governments: The Centralising Logic of the 2016 Colombian Peace Accord
Authors: Eaton Kent
Published: December 2020

Colombia’s 2016 peace accord emphasises the concept of “territorial peace” but denies meaningful roles for territorial governments—a design decision that is especially puzzling given the recent prominence of local governments in peacebuilding initiatives around the world. This article argues that the pursuit of territorial peace without territorial governments can only be understood by broadening the temporal frame in ways that problematise the evolution of these governments over time. Decentralising reforms were at the heart of an earlier failed effort to end Colombia’s armed conflict in the 1980s and 1990s, leading both sides in the 2016 accord to draw different, but similarly negative, lessons about decentralisation. Guerrilla and government negotiators alike eschewed local governments but not for the reasons emphasised in the peacebuilding literature. Furthermore, Colombia’s earlier experience with decentralisation also exposed serious capacity deficits at the local level, raising questions about territorial governments as viable partners in building peace.
How and When Humble Leadership Facilitates Employee Job Performance: The Roles of Feeling Trusted and Job Autonomy
Authors: Cho Jeewon , Schilpzand Pauline , Huang Lei , Paterson Ted
Published: December 2020

This study extends our understanding of humble leadership as an important trust-engendering leadership style that influences employee behaviors. Drawing on social exchange theory, we articulate how humble leaders’ employee-centric behaviors signal trust and facilitate a social exchange relationship between leaders and followers. Specifically, we posit that a leader’s humble leadership behaviors are positively related to employees’ task performance and organizational citizenship behavior via feelings of being trusted by one’s supervisor. We also predict that the interaction between humble leadership and employee job autonomy will influence employees’ appraisal of feeling trusted. We tested our moderated-mediation model using experimental vignette data and three-wave survey data collected from 233 employees and their supervisors working at a large Chinese internet company. Study results support our hypotheses that humble leadership, and its interaction with employee job autonomy, contribute to feeling trusted by their supervisor. Furthermore, we found that humble leadership behavior, via enhanced perceptions of feeling trusted, predicted supervisor-rated employee task performance and organizational citizenship behavior toward the organization. The implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Sensor placement optimization for critical-grid coverage problem of indoor positioning
Authors: Wu Hui , Liu Zhe , Hu Jin , Yin Weifeng
Published: December 2020

It is more practical and efficient to deploy sensors in critical areas rather than common areas to ensure indoor positioning accuracy and reduce deployment cost. This study focused on the sensor placement optimization for critical-grid coverage problem with two objectives: accuracy and cost. After reviewing some related works, this article proposed a multi-objective optimization model for critical-grid coverage problem of indoor positioning considering k-coverage problem as well as the topological rationality of sensor distribution. Then, NSGA-II algorithm was used to solve the optimizing model of sensor placement. At last, the simulation experiment and real environment validation were conducted for proposed method. The results showed that the optimized schemes obtain a lower error (1.13, 1.21 m) and a higher reduction of sensor deployment cost than the uniform deployment scheme (1.44 m). As a conclusion, the proposed method could reduce the cost of sensor deployment while ensuring the accuracy of indoor positioning for critical areas. It also provides a new direction for improving the accuracy of indoor positioning.
Safety and efficacy of symptomatic carotid artery stenting performed in an emergency setting
Authors: Quispe-Orozco Darko , Limaye Kaustubh , Zevallos Cynthia B , Farooqui Mudassir , Mendez-Ruiz Alan , Ansari Sameer , Dajles Andres , Samaniego Edgar A , Derdeyn Colin , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has increasingly emerged as an alternative strategy to carotid endarterectomy in the treatment of patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. Optimal timing for CAS after symptoms onset remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CAS when performed in an emergency setting.

Patients and methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of CAS patients admitted to our CSC with symptomatic extracranial carotid occlusion or significant stenosis from January 2014-September 2019. Emergency CAS was defined as CAS performed during the same hospitalization from TIA/stroke onset, whereas elective CAS as CAS performed on a subsequent admission. The primary outcome was defined as the occurrence of any stroke, myocardial infarction, or death related to the procedure at 3 months of follow-up. Secondary outcomes included periprocedural complications and the rate of restenosis/occlusion at follow-up. Logistic regression and survival analyses were used to compare outcomes and restenosis at follow-up.

Results

We identified 75 emergency and 104 elective CAS patients. Emergency CAS patients had significantly higher rates of ipsilateral carotid occlusion (17% vs. 2%, p < 0.001) and use of general anesthesia (19% vs. 4%, p = 0.001) than elective CAS. There were no significant differences between emergency and elective CAS in the primary (5.7% vs. 1%, p = 0.161) and secondary (9% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.232) outcomes. We did not find differences in the rate of restenosis/occlusion (7% vs. 11.6%; log-rank test p = 0.3) at a median of 13 months follow-up.

Conclusion

In our study, emergency CAS in symptomatic patients might have a similar safety and efficacy profile to elective CAS at 3 months and long-term follow-up.
Performance research and safety verification of compound structure air spring
Authors: Yin Lihang , Xu Wei , Hu Zechao , Zhang Yuanchao , Li Chuang
Published: December 2020

To further reduce the vertical stiffness of the air spring, appropriately reduce its lateral stiffness to attenuate the transmission of vibration along the lateral and longitudinal directions, a compound structure air spring (CSAS) was designed. It is a laminated structure with a hard elastic layer at the lower end of the original air spring. Prototypes of the air spring and the CSAS were produced, then related static and dynamic characteristics tests were conducted. Compared with the test results of the air spring, it can be found that under the same air pressure, the bearing capacity of the CSAS is decreased slightly; under rated load, the vertical static/dynamic stiffness and natural frequency is decreased slightly, and the lateral static/dynamic stiffness is decrease significantly. Furthermore, the CSAS was subjected to the safety and reliability tests, and its performance was stable without damage. This article expands the stiffness range of the air spring, and provides a new idea for the design of the air spring with low lateral to vertical stiffness ratio and low natural frequency.
Evaluation and improvement of tire rolling resistance and grip performance based on test and simulation
Authors: Liang Chen , Li Haowen , Mousavi Hoda , Wang Guolin , Yu Kangying
Published: December 2020

In order to clarify the contradictory mechanism between tire rolling resistance and grip performance, ten (10) 205/55 R16 radial tires with different tread patterns were selected as the research objects. Using VIC-3D non-contact strain measurement system, the pattern deformation in the contact area under vertical load was tested and the relevant deformation parameters of the contact area were extracted. Correlation analysis was used to establish the relationship between the identified deformation parameters and tire performance indicators. Then the contradiction mechanism between tire rolling resistance and grip performance was identified. The mechanism is such that, in order to improve the grip performance of the tire, it is necessary to reduce the transverse tensile strain of the tread in the contact area and increase the longitudinal tensile strain of the tread, but with the increase of the longitudinal tensile strain, the rolling resistance of the tire will also increase, which leads to the contradiction between tire rolling resistance and grip performance. In order to better understand and solve this contradiction, a finite element model of 205/55R16 tire with complex pattern was established. The influence of the number and width of transverse grooves in outer shoulder area on tire rolling resistance and grip performance was analyzed by numerical simulation, where it was identified that, the longitudinal tensile deformation of the tread is the main cause of contradiction between the two performances. An optimized design of concave transverse groove with narrow groove in the middle and wide groove at both ends was proposed in the outer shoulder area to resolve the contradiction. Compared with the original scheme, the rolling resistance of the optimized scheme was reduced by 2.112 N, and the grip force saw an increase of 10.196 N, and thus delivering a cooperative improvement of tire rolling resistance and grip performance.
Impact of pseudoplaticity and dilatancy of fluid on peristaltic flow and heat transfer: Reiner-Philippoff fluid model
Authors: Tahir Muhammad , Ahmad Adeel
Published: December 2020

The objective of this article is to investigate the impact of pseudoplaticity and dilatancy of fluid on peristaltic flow and heat transfer of non-Newtonian fluid in a non-uniform asymmetric channel. The mathematical-model incorporates the non-linear implicit stress deformation relation using the classical Reiner-Philippoff viscosity model, which is one of the very few non-Newtonian models exhibiting all the pseudoplastic, dilatant and Newtonian behaviors. The governing equations for the peristaltic flow and heat transfer of Reiner-Philippoff fluid are modeled using the low Reynolds-number and long wavelength approximation. Results of the study are presented graphically to discuss the impact of pseudoplaticity and dilatancy of fluid on the velocity, pressure gradient, bolus movement and temperature profile. The article is concluded with key observations that by increasing the value of the Reiner-Philippoff fluid parameter the velocity of fluid increase at the center of the channel and decreases near the boundaries of the channel. Effects of the shear stress parameter are opposite on pseudoplastic and dilatants fluid. By increasing the value of the shear stress parameter the velocity of the pseudoplastic fluid increases near the center of the channel, whereas the velocity of dilatants fluid decreases.
Chronic total occlusion and spontaneous recanalization of the internal carotid artery: Natural history and management strategy
Authors: Lall Alex , Yavagal Dileep R , Bornak Arash
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Spontaneous recanalization of a chronic total occlusion of the extra-cranial internal carotid artery is an under-reported clinical entity. This paper reviews the different etiologies of internal carotid artery occlusion, its natural course, as well as the significance and our recommendations for the management of spontaneous internal carotid artery recanalization.

Methods

A review of literature on etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of internal carotid artery occlusion and recanalization was conducted. PubMed database was searched using the terms “internal carotid occlusion” and “recanalization”. Articles were reviewed and studies involving the management of internal carotid artery occlusion and spontaneous recanalization were included. We subsequently developed a management algorithm for chronic total occlusion of the internal carotid artery and spontaneous recanalization of such lesions based on the available evidence.

Results

Common etiologies of chronic total occlusion of the internal carotid artery include carotid atherosclerotic disease, cardioembolic, and carotid dissection. Progression of an asymptomatic to symptomatic occlusion is estimated at 2–8% annually. Well-compensated patients can be asymptomatic. In others, clinical symptoms range from ipsilateral or global hypoperfusion to embolic stroke in some cases of spontaneous recanalization. Spontaneous recanalization occurs in 2.3–10.3% of patients but rarely results in a cerebrovascular event.

Conclusions

Progression of an asymptomatic chronic total occlusion of the internal carotid artery to symptomatic is infrequent. The management algorithm of chronic total occlusion of the internal carotid artery and spontaneous recanalization of the internal carotid artery must be tailored to the patient based on symptoms, etiology of the lesion, imaging findings, surgical risk, and reliability for follow-up.
Oil seal surface defect detection using superpixel segmentation and circumferential difference
Authors: He Zhendong , Liu Jie , Jiang Liying , Zhao Suna , Zhang Lei , Cui Liangjian
Published: December 2020

Surface defects affect the quality and safety of oil seals. It is a challenge to detect such defects in a vision system because of the unequal reflection property of oil seal surfaces and low contrast between the defect and the background. This article proposes a visual detection method (VDM) for oil seal surface defects and outlines two key issues of VDMs. First, we present a superpixel segmentation algorithm based on the significant gray level variation in the radial direction of an oil seal surface image. This image is then divided into several ring belts. Subsequently, considering the reflection inequality and low contrast, we propose a new circumferential background difference algorithm based on the small variation along the circumferential direction of the image. This algorithm eliminates the influence of the reflection inequality and improves the contrast distinction between the defects and the background. The experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method with a recall and precision as high as 95.2% and 86.8%, respectively.
Hand-eye calibration method with a three-dimensional-vision sensor considering the rotation parameters of the robot pose
Authors: Fu Jinsheng , Ding Yabin , Huang Tian , Liu Xianping
Published: December 2020

Hand-eye calibration is a fundamental step for a robot equipped with vision systems. However, this problem usually interacts with robot calibration because robot geometric parameters are not very precise. In this article, a new calibration method considering the rotation parameters of the robot pose is proposed. First, a constraint least square model is established assuming that each spherical center measurement of standard ball is equal in the robot base frame, which provides an initial solution. To further improve the solution accuracy, a nonlinear calibration model in the sensor frame is established. Since it can reduce one error accumulation process, a more accurate reference point can be used for optimization. Then, the rotation parameters of the robot pose whose slight errors cause large disturbance to the solution are selected by analyzing the coefficient matrices of the error items. Finally, the hand-eye transformation parameters are refined together with the rotation parameters in the nonlinear optimization solution. Some comparative simulations are performed between the modified least square method, constrained least square method, and the proposed method. The experiments are conducted on a 5-axis hybrid robot named TriMule to demonstrate the superior accuracy of the proposed method.
Adults’ responses to infant faces: Neutral infant facial expressions elicit the strongest baby schema effect
Authors: Jia Yun Cheng , Ding Fang Yuan , Cheng Gang , Chen Jia , Zhang Wen , Lin Nan , Zhang Da Jun
Published: December 2020

The effect of the babyface schema includes three typical responses, namely, the preference response, viewing motivation, and attention bias towards infant faces. It has been theorised that these responses are primarily influenced by infants’ facial structures. However, recent studies have revealed the moderating role of facial expression, suggesting that the strongest effect of the babyface schema may be related to the neutral facial expression; this hypothesis remains to be tested. In this study, the moderating role of facial expression was assessed in three successive experiments (total N = 402). We used a series of images of the same face with multiple expression-standardised images of infants and adults to control for facial structure. The results indicated that the effect sizes of the babyface schema (i.e., response differences between infants and adults) were different for multiple expressions of the same face. Specifically, the effect sizes of neutral faces were significantly greater than those of happy and sad faces according to the preference response (experiment 1, N = 90), viewing motivation (experiment 2, N = 214), and attentional bias (experiment 3, N = 98). These results empirically confirm that neutral infant facial expressions elicit the strongest effect of the babyface schema under the condition of using adult faces as a comparison baseline and matching multiple expressions of the same face.