bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Size-dependent free vibration and buckling analysis of magneto-electro-thermo-elastic nanoplates based on the third-order shear deformable nonlocal plate model
Authors: Gholami Yousef , Ansari Reza , Gholami Raheb , Sadeghi Fatemeh
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a size-dependent nanoplate model is developed to describe the free vibration and buckling behaviors of magneto-electro-thermo-elastic (METE) rectangular nanoplates. It is assumed that the METE nanoplate is subjected to external electric voltage, external magnetic potential, and uniform temperature rise. The nonlocal elasticity theory along with the third-order shear deformation plate theory is employed for the size-dependent mathematical modeling of nanoplates. The presented model has two advantages over available models: (1) the need for the correction factor is bypassed and (2) it can be successfully applied to thick nanoplates. The governing equations and the corresponding boundary conditions are derived using the Hamilton’s principle which are then discretized on the space domain based on the generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method. Afterward, an efficient numerical Galerkin procedure is adopted to reduce the discretized equations into Duffing-type ordinary differential equations. Numerical results are presented to examine the influences of nonlocal parameter, length-to-thickness ratio, temperature rise, external electric potential, external magnetic potential and type of boundary condition on the free vibration, and buckling behaviors of METE nanoplates. It is revealed that frequency and critical buckling load of nanoplates are dependent on magneto-electro-mechanical loadings, whereas they are less dependent on thermal loading.
Multibody dynamic analysis of a packaging machine sealing head
Authors: Asensio Mikel , Remirez Adrian , Cabello Mario , Retolaza Iban
Published: May 2022

The sealing head of a packaging machine is the area where the cross sealing or welding of the packages is carried out. Sealing is done by exerting pressure between two hot jaws, a process called heat sealing. For these packages to be completely hermetic, the sealing must be perfect, which is achieved by means of a uniform pressure distribution on the contact surfaces of the jaws. In this article, a multibody dynamic analysis (MBD) of a sealing head has been carried out to determine the pressure distribution between the jaws. Due to the design of the head, it is essential to consider the stiffness of some components. A MBD model has been generated considering flexible bodies, with Altair’s HyperWorks software. The technique used by the software to generate flexible bodies is called Component Mode Synthesis (CMS) and consists of reducing a Finite Element Method (FEM) model of an elastic body to the degrees of freedom of the interface nodes and a set of normal modes, i.e. from a nodal model to a modal one. With this approach, it is possible to calculate the forces and deformations generated during the sealing process and precisely determine the pressure distribution, and thus the quality of said sealing. The entire methodology is validated by comparing the results obtained by simulation with FEM simulations and experimental data from tests.
Deformation prediction and compensation of a dual-machine riveting system for aircraft assembly
Authors: Liu Jintong , Zhu Zhendong , Zhang Qiang , Dong Huiyue , Bi Yunbo
Published: May 2022

Automatic riveting systems play a crucial role in the field of aircraft manufacturing. In the riveting process, the machine tool bears a large axial squeezing force, and the resulting deformation will inevitably affect the riveting quality. In this paper, a dual-machine riveting system is developed first, the kinematic chain model and the lower-numbered body of the system structure are constructed sequentially. Then, considering the interaction and coupling effect of the two machines in the actual riveting process, the relative stiffnesses of the dual machine in the resisting state are identified by loading tests. Based on the stiffness data at a combination of postures within the workspace, a Kriging prediction model is established to describe the relationship between stiffness and postures. According to the prediction results, the influence of rotational and translational axes on the spatial stiffness distribution of the riveting system is revealed. Finally, the online deformation compensation is realized by modifying the displacement of the feed axis on both sides. A riveting experiment is carried out, and the results demonstrate that the riveting quality is significantly improved after compensation.
A review on magnetically assisted abrasive flow machining and abrasive material type
Authors: Singh Palwinder , Singh Lakhvir , Singh Sehijpal
Published: May 2022

The development of fine surface finish with no defects is still a significant challenge for the present industry and the finishing operation in the manufacturing of the precision components is the major problem. It is difficult rather impossible to polish/finish the difficult-to-reach surfaces, internal surfaces, and complex geometries by existing finishing methods. Abrasive flow machining (AFM) is a well-established advanced finishing process that can meet the required finishing requirements. However, the main disadvantages of this process are the surface integrity with low surface finish and high machining times. Magnetically Assisted Abrasive flow machining (MAAFM) is one of the non-conventional machining techniques that can successfully handle these problems. This process was developed in the early 2000s as a technique for deburring, polishing, and radiusing tough to reach surfaces like complicated configurations and edges/boundaries by flowing a magnetic abrasive polymeric medium across them. Magnetic flux density (MFD), extrusion pressure, flow volume, abrasive type, grit size, number of process cycles, medium, and workpiece configuration are the principal machining parameters that control the surface finish characteristics. The medium extruded forward and backward between two vertically opposed hydraulic cylinders across transit created by the workpiece and tooling. Abrasion of workpiece takes place wherever the medium proceeds across the highly confining transit. The major elements of the MAAFM process are the machine, tooling, and the magnetic abrasives containing media. MAAFM has a wide scope of uses in industries including automotive, aviation, precision dies, medicinal, electronics. This article represents a review of current advancements in the area of the MAAFM process and the type of magnetic abrasive particles (MAPs) used.
Influence of foaming agents on mechanical and microstructure characterization of AA6061 metal foams
Authors: Madgule Mahadev , CG Sreenivasa , Patel GC Manjunath , L Avinash , Singhal Piyush , Pandit Dhiren , Malik Vinayak
Published: May 2022

Aluminium metal foams offer low density (∼10–15% of bulk material) possessing cellular structure that ensures unique features with high stiffens, better energy absorption, thermal and acoustic properties. Selection of different foaming agents for preparing AA6061 foam samples are indeed an industrial relevance for better control over porosity and its dimensions, strengths (tensile, flexural and compression) useful for distinguished applications. Three foaming agents such as wax powder, magnesium hydroxide, and titanium hydride are selected with varying 3–9 weight percentage to prepare metal foams viz. powder metallurgy technique. For the prepared foam samples the percentage porosity, pore dimensions (maximum pore size, and equivalent diameter) and strengths were examined. Wax powder foaming agent resulted with a maximum strength in foam samples compared to magnesium hydroxide and titanium hydride. Scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis revealed that there is no evidence of foreign elements and confirm uniform distribution of porosity in the foam samples.
Neural longitudinal control of hypersonic vehicles with constrained aerodynamic surfaces
Authors: Wang Guan , An Hao , Guo Ziyi , Xia Hongwei , Xie Weinan , Ma Guangcheng
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a neural adaptive flight control for longitudinal dynamics of air-breathing hypersonic vehicles (AHVs) with constrained aerodynamic surfaces. Multiple actuator constraints including magnitude, rate, and first-order dynamic model in both the elevator and canard are transformed into a specific control allocation problem, which can be readily solved using the standard model predictive control (MPC) technique. Furthermore, an adaptive control scheme is developed combining with the above control allocation and the recurrent cerebellar model articulation controller (RCMAC), which well handles actuator constraints and uncertain factors including aerodynamic coefficients, external disturbances, and flexible dynamics. Numerous simulation results verify performance and robustness of the proposed neural adaptive control.
A composite controller design using an adaptive internal type-2 fuzzy logic system and the fixed-time disturbance observer for an air-breathing hypersonic vehicle with a variable geometry inlet
Authors: Dou Liqian , Li Yiqun , Du Miaomiao , Zhang Xiuyun , Li Zhiyu
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a novel composite controller design technique is addressed for using an adaptive interval type-2 fuzzy logic system (FLS) with the fixed-time disturbance observer (FTDO) such that the enhanced tracking performance is achieved for an air-breathing hypersonic vehicle with a variable geometry inlet (AHV-VGI). First, introducing the variable geometry inlet to take proper mass flow into the engine without any flow spillage ensures enough thrust for acceleration and maneuvering flight. The interval type-2 FLS integrated with an adaptive control algorithm is derived to approximate the complicated nonlinear items in the control strategy online, which assures that the tracking error are semi-globally uniformly bounded. After that, the fixed-time disturbance observer that is constructed to provide the estimations of uncertainty including external disturbance leads to a more practical and robust flight control system for AHV-VGI. The uniform stability of the whole system is proved under the framework of Lyapunov theory. Finally, simulation results and analysis are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed composite control scheme.
Performance evaluation of a novel adaptive variable structure state estimator
Authors: Patra Nilanjan , Sadhu Smita , Ghoshal Tapan Kumar
Published: May 2022

An improved nonlinear adaptive state estimator called Adaptive Smooth Variable Structure Filter ASVSF has been proposed and its algorithm described. ASVSF extends the functionality and performance of a previously reported robust smooth variable structure filter (SVSF) with optimal boundary layer (SVSF-OBL). Improvement in performance includes the provision for accommodating unknown and time varying process noise covariance, which generally characterizes modelling uncertainty. The novelty of this proposed ASVSF estimator, which inherits the features of the SVSF, is that it adaptively provides an estimate of the unknown time varying process noise covariance (and hence called adaptive SVSF or ASVSF) which is required for determining the optimal boundary layer width of SVSF-OBL thus obviating the need of the prior knowledge of the process noise covariance. This makes the proposed estimator performance to be insensitive to (and therefore robust with respect to) unknown time varying process noise covariance while retaining the optimality of SVSF-OBL. The performance of the proposed ASVSF estimator is evaluated using Monte Carlo simulation and is compared with previously reported state estimators using a case of maneuvering civilian aircraft where a simplified and grossly approximate process model is used in the estimator/filter for tracking and thereby generating a time varying and unknown process noise covariance situation. Three different measures of Root Mean Square (RMS) error over the trajectory have been used for comparison which demonstrates the strengths of the proposed ASVSF estimator.
“Fake it ‘till you make it”: Authenticity and wellbeing in late diagnosed autistic women
Authors: Seers Kate , Hogg Rachel
Published: May 2022

The diagnosis of autism spectrum condition (ASC) in women is increasing, prompting research into the gendered experience and presentation of female ASC. To complement this growing body of research, the current study utilised a qualitative approach informed by a feminist disability framework to explore how the intersecting dimensions of difference, gender, and ASC influence autistic women’s subjectivity and wellbeing. Drawing on the experiences of eight late-diagnosed autistic women, thematic analysis highlighted experiences of early marginalisation, challenges of living outside gendered social norms, the psychological and emotional consequences of masking, and the impact of diagnosis on subjectivity, identity, and wellbeing. Participants developed their authenticity and personhood within a performative social context that required masking of the self, a complex process with wide-ranging consequences. Findings also highlight the importance of acceptance, representation, and community for the wellbeing of autistic women. This research challenges the dominant, masculinised construction of ASC. It highlights the need for the ontological status of ASC to be reconceptualised to incorporate diverse experiences of the condition across the gender spectrum. Future research should explore how psychology can facilitate this reconceptualisation.
Enhanced electromechanical properties of natural rubber using mussel-inspired modification of calcium titanate particles with supercapacitive property
Authors: Guo Dandan , Liu Naiqiang , Jia Qixiang , Ruan Mengnan , Liu Zhifeng
Published: May 2022

Dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) has broad application prospects because of their excellent properties. However, the need for high operating electric field limits their practical application. The natural rubber (NR) elastomer composite with excellent properties was obtained through the addition of high-dielectric-constant calcium titanate (CCTO) particles with modification by the deposition of poly(catechol/polyamine) (PCPA) and the graft of silane γ-(2,3-expoxypropoxy)-propytrimethoxysilane (KH560). The interaction and polarization were significantly enhanced at the interface of CCTO and NR matrix due to the participation for epoxy groups of KH560 in vulcanization reaction. In this paper, the 50 parts per hundred rubber (phr) CCTO-PCPA-KH560/NR composite revealed the largest actuated strain (11.38%), which was ∼4.48 times higher than that of pure NR composite (2.54%). And the CCTO-PCPA-KH560/NR composite revealed reinforced mechanical, dielectric, and electromechanical properties. In summary, this proposed approach is feasible, low cost, and helpful for the wide application of high-performance DEA.
Profiling nursing students’ dishonest behaviour: Classroom versus clinical settings
Authors: Lovrić Robert , Žvanut Boštjan
Published: May 2022

Background

While academic dishonesty among nursing students is becoming a global problem, the instruments used in studies on this topic are heterogeneous and, in many cases, not even validated. This makes it difficult or impossible to compare the findings on a global scale.

Objectives

To investigate the profile of Croatian nursing students’ dishonest behaviour in classroom and clinical settings and to examine the relationship between the incidence of dishonest behaviour in both settings.

Research design

A quantitative cross-sectional study using a Croatian online version of the Nursing Student Perceptions of Dishonesty Scale (overall Cronbach’s alpha 0.933) .

Participants and research context

446 nursing students from a higher education institution in Croatia, EU, in the academic year 2020/21.

Ethical considerations

The study was approved by the relevant committee of the higher education institution.

Findings/results

Almost all participants (91.3%) performed dishonest behaviour on two or more occasions in the classroom and 32.5% did so in the clinical setting. The incidence of dishonest behaviour increased with the students’ year of BSc study ( p = .008). All subscales of dishonest behaviour in the classroom were significantly and positively associated with dishonest behaviour in the clinical setting, except for the Not My Problem and Non-Compliance subscales.

Discussion

Based on these results, the following should be taken into consideration: 1) dishonest behaviour in the classroom is associated with dishonest behaviour in the clinical setting; 2) even the slightest occurrence of dishonest behaviour in the clinical setting can lead to fatal events.

Conclusions

The gradual increase in BSc nursing students’ dishonest behaviour with their year of study raises several questions regarding the development of ethical and moral values in this population. This raises the need for early and continuous exposure of students to ethical content from the beginning of their studies and support from competent educators.
Determinants of Mutual Fund Flows in the Indian Stock Market: Insights Through the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag Bounds-testing Approach with Structural Breaks
Authors: Kumari Madhu , Debnath Prallad
Published: May 2022

The study investigates the determinants of mutual fund (MF) flows with special reference to the Indian stock market using monthly data over the period of January 2012 to December 2020. The analysis has been conducted using the linear and nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing approach. The impact of structural breaks on the model has been incorporated by using dummies. The results reveal that the negative and positive changes in stock returns and volatility have asymmetric impact on fund flows by MFs. Macroeconomic variables have a significant impact on the investment decisions made by MFs. The trading patterns of MFs and foreign institutional investors (FIIs) are opposite to each other, that is, purchases by FIIs lead to sales by MFs and vice- versa. The trading pattern of FIIs significantly impacts the direction of MF flows.
Glycogen Storage Disease Type IXb in a Neonate Caused by Two Mutations in PHKB Gene
Authors: Arumugam Senthil Kumar
Published: May 2022

Glycogen storage disease (GSD) is rare to present in the neonatal period. We present a neonate with hypoglycemic coma, diagnosed as GSD IXb by whole-exome sequencing. The neonate improved with supportive care. We identified 2 variants in exon 22 and exon 24 of the PHKB gene located on chromosome 16q12.1 in a neonate whose parents were also found to carry these variants was detected by Sanger sequencing.
How Much do Households Spend on Professional Higher Education in India? Results from a National Survey
Authors: Choudhury Pradeep Kumar , Kumar Amit
Published: May 2022

We find very little evidence of household investment in professional higher education in India that has seen the highest participation of the private sector. This article examines the variability of household expenditure on professional higher education in India and its relationship with socioeconomic and institutional factors. We find that households in India spend close to half of their annual income per child for accessing professional higher education. The study confirms the presence of a pro-male bias in household expenditure on professional higher education with an additional preference among poor households. Students enrolled in private institutions have spent significantly higher than those enrolled in public-funded institutions, and interestingly, this gap is not only due to the difference in the payment of fees but also due to expenses in non-fee items. The findings from this analysis have important policy insights which would contribute towards making professional higher education equitable and inclusive in India as aimed in the National Education Policy 2020.
Profit Efficiency of Indian General Insurance Companies: A Ratio-Based Approach
Authors: Sinha Ram Pratap
Published: May 2022

While there are several studies regarding the technical efficiency of Indian general insurance companies, the field of profit efficiency remained relatively unexplored. The present study seeks to fill this gap. In the present article, two alternative ratio-based approaches have been adopted for the estimation of profit efficiency of Indian general insurers. The profit efficiency scores so derived are then decomposed in to revenue and cost efficiency components. In the final stage, the impact of several contextual variables on the efficiency scores are analysed. The data set for the present study includes information pertaining to 15 general insurance companies for the period 2011–12 to 2016–17. The outcome shows that the public sector insurers have done well in terms of revenue efficiency but needs to be concerned about cost efficiency. Further, the application of pooled ordinary least squares regression show that solvency ratio is an important explanatory variable of profit efficiency. Significance of the impact of return on equity on profit efficiency is, however, contingent on the model chosen.

JEL Classification: C-61, D-22, G-23
The vital role of law in fighting Australia’s food waste
Authors: Bird Susan , Amarakoon Upamali , Liang Xiaoyan , Pearson David
Published: May 2022

Food waste is a global problem, with significant environmental, social and economic implications. A concerted effort that engages all world governments would be an optimal approach to address food waste. While there has been some international agreement, strategies on how to reduce food waste remain the purview of national, state and local governments. In this article, we explore the Australian government’s commitment to fighting food waste, and strategies to realise its vision to halve food waste by 2030. Arguing that voluntary action may not be sufficient to reach this goal, we highlight the role that law can play in fighting food waste.
Overcoming Buyer-Seller Tensions in the Pre-Acquisition Process
Authors: Shankar Raj K. , Rasmussen Einar , Mathisen Marius T. , Widding Øystein
Published: May 2022

Larger firms are increasingly acquiring innovative new ventures at an early stage. Despite significant integration challenges with these acquisitions, the elongated pre-acquisition process of aligning buyers’ and sellers’ different objectives is rarely studied. By studying nine academic spin-off acquisitions, we develop a three-phase model outlining the temporal dynamics of the pre-acquisition process. In each phase—namely, strategic fit, synergy confidence, and deal structure—a specific buyer-seller tension emerges. By showing how each of these tensions needs to be overcome prior to an acquisition event, our dialectical model complements the dominant focus on post-integration activities in the acquisition literature.
“Why would I go if the infant was healthy?”: Factors Influencing Postnatal Care Utilization in Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Bancalari Pilar , Alegre Juan-Carlos , Mendez Alvarez Montserrat , Sacks Emma
Published: May 2022

Despite global efforts, postnatal care utilization remains low. There is almost no research on factors influencing postnatal care utilization in Latin America. Chiapas has one of the highest rates of maternal and neonatal mortality in Mexico. In 2014, we conducted 101 interviews with recently delivered women, male partners, traditional birth attendants (TBAs), and health staff, to assess factors influencing postnatal care utilization. Data underwent content analysis and thematic coding. Travel costs, postnatal seclusion practices, and a low perceived need for postnatal care were found to be disincentives to seek care. Providers ascribed low care adherence to cultural beliefs and low health literacy, while families indicated that their decision to seek facility care was mediated by the TBA’s recognition of danger signs and perceived ability to manage complications. TBAs should be leveraged as gatekeepers, health literacy programs should emphasize the importance of primary care, and structural barriers to care should be reduced.
No Terminally Ill Patients with Non-cancer Received Palliative Care Services During Hospital Admission: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kangtanyagan Chutima , Vatcharavongvan Pasitpon
Published: May 2022

Background

Terminally ill patients admitted to a hospital with noncancer conditions may miss palliative care (PC) service opportunities. This study aimed to examine the utilization of PC services among these hospitalized patients.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using the electronic medical records of noncancer patients admitted to internal medicine wards, intensive care units (ICUs), and cardiac intensive care units (CICUs). The patients meeting the Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT) criteria needed PC, and the patients who had advanced care plans or received PC consultations received PC services. We reported the proportions of patients with PC needs and PC services and their associated factors with the crude and adjusted odds ratios.

Results

Of 459 patients, 49.9% were female, and 92.6% were discharged alive. The mean age was 63 years old, and the average length of stay was 10 days. Additionally, 61.7% needed PC according to the SPICT criteria, but none of these patients received PC services. Patients with dementia/frailty, kidney disease, and heart disease had the highest rate of PC underutilization (100%, 96.8%, and 91.3%, respectively). Age, number of discharge medications, and length of stay were associated with needing PC, but some associations disappeared after the subgroup analysis.

Conclusion

None of the terminally ill noncancer patients in our study received PC services. The patients with dementia/frailty, kidney disease, and heart disease underutilized the services. A long length of stay and many discharge medications were associated with the PC needs and can be used to assess the PC needs.
Type 2 Diabetes Independent of Glycemic Control is Associated With Cognitive Impairments: Findings From NHANES
Authors: Jiwani Rozmin , Dennis Brittany , Neri Alfonso L. , Bess Chandler , Espinoza Sara , Wang Jing , Serra Monica C.
Published: May 2022

Examine the association between glycemic control and cognition. Included subjects ≥60 years who participated in the 2013 to 2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and completed one of the followings: Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Word List (CERAD-WL), Animal Fluency (AF), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and CERAD-Delayed Recall (CERAD-DR). Stratified participants into: No type 2 diabetes (T2D; N = 557), Controlled T2D ( N = 41), Uncontrolled T2D ( N = 120), and Untreated T2D ( N = 86). Multiple regression was used to examine the association between variables. After adjusting for demographics and cardiovascular risk factors, Uncontrolled T2D was associated with lower DSST (β = −3.164, p = .04), and Untreated T2D was associated with a trend for having lower CERAD-DR (β = −.496, p = .06) scores. T2D, independent of glycemic control, is associated with cognitive impairment and this relationship is influenced by modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.
Out at School: Imagining a Slow Ethic of Care in Research-Based Theater
Authors: Owis Bishop , Baer Pamela , Salisbury Jenny , Goldstein Tara
Published: May 2022

This article invites us to reconsider how we engage in ethical tensions and decision-making with the stories we are gifted as artist-researchers. Using a verbatim theater piece titled Out at School, we explore three moments of discomfort and growth that moved our collective approach toward a slow ethic of care. Within three ethical moments of dissonance, we investigate how to navigate a slow ethic of care in a project that is iterative and constantly shifting within and against our social and political world. By moving away from the desire for resolution, we argue for a process that understands the need to sit within ethical tensions as a way to commit to an ongoing slow ethic of care. We discuss our process, production, and performance as an invitation to critically reflect on ethical practices in research-based theater and reimagine ways to call in and move forward.
Matrix-free approaches for GPU acceleration of a high-order finite element hydrodynamics application using MFEM, Umpire, and RAJA
Authors: Vargas Arturo , Stitt Thomas M , Weiss Kenneth , Tomov Vladimir Z , Camier Jean-Sylvain , Kolev Tzanio , Rieben Robert N
Published: May 2022

With the introduction of advanced heterogeneous computing architectures based on GPU accelerators, large-scale production codes have had to rethink their numerical algorithms and incorporate new programming models and memory management strategies in order to run efficiently on the latest supercomputers. In this work we discuss our co-design strategy to address these challenges and achieve performance and portability with MARBL, a next-generation multi-physics code in development at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. We present a two-fold approach, wherein new hardware is used to motivate both new algorithms and new abstraction layers, resulting in a single source application code suitable for a variety of platforms. Focusing on MARBL’s ALE hydrodynamics package, we demonstrate scalability on different platforms and highlight that many of our innovations have been contributed back to open-source software libraries, such as MFEM (finite element algorithms) and RAJA (kernel abstractions).
Ophthalmic effects of dexmedetomidine, methadone and dexmedetomidine–methadone in healthy cats and their reversal with atipamezole
Authors: Wolfran Luciana , Debiage Rafael Rostirolla , Lopes Danielle Mara , Fukushima Fabíola Bono
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The aims of this study were to evaluate and compare the effects that dexmedetomidine and methadone, either alone or in combination, have on the ocular variables of healthy adult cats when administered intramuscularly, as well as their reversal with atipamezole.

Methods

A randomized crossover blinded study of 10 healthy cats was used to assess the effect of 0.2 mg/kg methadone (MET), 7.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine (D7), 10 μg/kg dexmedetomidine (D10), 7.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine and 0.2 mg/kg methadone (DM7) and 10 μg/kg dexmedetomidine and 0.2 mg/kg methadone (DM10) on intraocular pressure (IOP), tear production and pupil diameter (PD). The animals were evaluated for 30 mins. Afterwards, atipamezole was administered and ocular variables were evaluated for 30 mins.

Results

D10, DM7 and DM10 significantly decreased mean IOP but MET or D7 did not. Tear production decreased significantly in all treatments, corresponding to 18%, 59%, 63%, 86% and 98% in MET, D7, D10, DM7 and DM10, respectively. PD increased in all treatments, but MET showed the highest PD. Thirty minutes after atipamezole (RT30), IOP returned to baseline with no difference between groups, and there was a significant increase in tear production, but the means were still different from baseline.

Conclusions and relevance

Dexmedetomidine decreases IOP and tear production but increases PD in healthy cats. Atipamezole can partly reverse those alterations. Low-dose dexmedetomidine (7.5 µg/kg) promotes sedation without changing the IOP. All protocols significantly decrease tear production, and Schirmer tear test after sedation is not representative of non-sedated values. Methadone induces quick onset mydriasis without changing the IOP.
Quality of life and response to treatment in cats with hypersomatotropism: the owners’ point of view
Authors: Corsini Andrea , Niessen Stijn JM , Miceli Diego D , Caney Sarah , Zeugswetter Florian K , Sieber-Ruckstuhl Nadja S , Arenas Carolina , Fleeman Linda M , Leal Rodolfo O , Battellino Martina , Fracassi Federico
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to collect clinical information from owners of cats with hypersomatotropism (HS) distributed worldwide, assessing the impact of HS and its treatments on cats’ quality of life (QoL) and survival time.

Methods

A survey focused on clinical presentation, diagnostic procedures, treatments, cats’ QoL and disease progression was distributed worldwide to owners of cats with HS. The owner’s perception of the cats’ QoL before and after or during treatment was defined using a score ranging from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent). Improvement following treatment (IFT) was quantified using a score ranging from 1 (absent) to 5 (obvious). Different treatment groups, including at least five cases, were compared.

Results

A total of 127 cats were included from at least 11 different countries. Among these, 120 (95%) were diabetic and 7 (5%) were not. Out of 120 diabetic cats, 55 (46%) were treated with insulin as a single treatment (INS). Other treatments were not mentioned to owners in 35/120 (29%) cases. The median QoL score at diagnosis was 2 (range 1–5) and improved after treatment in all groups. Cabergoline (4; range 1–5), radiotherapy (4; range 2–5) and hypophysectomy (5; range 4–5) showed better median IFT scores compared with INS (3; range 1–5) ( P = 0.046, P <0.002 and P <0.0001, respectively). Hypophysectomy IFT proved superior to cabergoline ( P = 0.047) and was equal to radiotherapy IFT ( P = 0.32). No difference was found between cabergoline and radiotherapy IFT ( P = 0.99). The median survival time (MST) was 24 months (range 0–75 months). Cats treated with INS showed shorter MST (22 months; range 0–69 months) compared with cats treated with causal treatments combined (36 months; range 3–75 months) ( P = 0.04).

Conclusions and relevance

Not all cats with HS will have diabetes mellitus. Causal treatments seem associated with the greatest improvements in perceived cats’ QoL and survival; such treatments should therefore be discussed with owners. Cabergoline could be an effective alternative management option.
Why (not) suicide: Habitus in hysteresis and the space of possibles
Authors: Doblytė Sigita
Published: May 2022

Sociological theory on the phenomenon of suicide continues to rely heavily upon the Durkheimian perspective. While such accounts are valuable additions to the field, engagement with alternative theoretical traditions may likewise be stimulating and provide distinct concepts to delve into the issue. This article contributes to expanding sociological understanding of suicide by drawing upon Pierre Bourdieu’s theory, a relatively untapped resource in the study of suicide. I suggest that the concept of hysteresis – a mismatch between embodied and objectified structures – enables an understanding of under what circumstances agents may become vulnerable to suicide. I then theorise how socioeconomic, political, and cultural dynamics may deepen the hysteresis effect and increase the chances that individuals in specific social positions experience it. Finally, I argue that individuals’ responses to such distress depend on their space of possibles: the culturally laden idea of suicide and alternatives to it.
Major traumatic injury sustained during use of a virtual reality (VR) headset
Authors: Jones-Dellaportas Megan Joy , Keitley James Alexander , Donald Bullough Richard , Graham Blair
Published: May 2022

We report the first documented case of significant, potentially life-changing trauma sustained during use of virtual reality (VR). A male in his fifties fell from standing whilst immersed in a VR game and sustained injuries including bilateral occipital condyle fractures, spinal cord contusion resulting in central cord syndrome, right vertebral artery occlusion, and left hypoglossal nerve palsy. His injuries were managed conservatively with a lengthy recovery period. The patient made a good recovery with full resolution of his symptoms and has returned to full-time employment. This case discusses how these injuries are commonly related and considers the implications of VR on a person’s balance and whether the headset may make neck extension injuries more likely.
Ideological and economic influences on journalistic autonomy and cynicism: A moderating role of digital adaptation of news organizations
Authors: Kim Bumsoo , Jin Borae
Published: May 2022

This study examines how ideological and economic aspects of news media are related to journalists’ autonomy and cynicism, and whether organizational adaptation to digital environments moderates the effects of those ideological and financial influences. Using secondary data from journalists ( N = 1956) provided by the Korea Press Foundation, this study investigates the relationships among ideological differences between journalists and news organizations, advertising/public relations (ad/PR) work, journalists’ autonomy, and job cynicism. Findings suggest that both ideological incongruence and ad/PR work decreased journalistic autonomy, with the latter a stronger predictor than the former. Decreased autonomy, in turn, increased cynicism. Ad/PR work significantly predicted cynicism, but ideological incongruence did not influence cynicism. In addition, the more the news organization has adapted to the digital realm, the weaker the relations between ideological incongruence and autonomy and between autonomy and cynicism. However, as the adaptation level increased, the negative impact of ad/PR work on autonomy became stronger. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Customer experiences in crisis situations: An agency-structure perspective
Authors: Tronvoll Bård , Edvardsson Bo
Published: May 2022

In times of crisis, interactions and structures can change, eradicating prevailing norms and rules, with enduring unfavorable effects, and existing conceptual frameworks may fail to explain the effects of radical contextual change. In such contexts, the meaning of the customer experience is also likely to change, and touchpoints, cues, and the concept of the customer journey may prove insufficient to theorize the formation of those experiences. Adopting an agency-structure perspective, the article explores how crisis disrupts and alters structuration modalities, including space-time perception, access to resources, and institutional arrangements. To conceptualize how these contextual changes affect customer experience, we contend that it is necessary to understand the complex set of interactions among multiple actors and the structures and modalities that together shape the customer experience. Drawing on structuration theories to elucidate how disruptive contexts and crisis modalities affect the customer experience, the proposed conceptual framework identifies crisis modalities (discontinuities, accessibility, and fragmentability) that explain customer experiences in disruptive contexts as meaningful patterns of interaction informed by structure and agency. These findings can help firms to understand and manage customer experiences in disruptive contexts. In conclusion, we discuss how future research might contextualize and test the proposed framework.
An integrated condition monitoring scheme for health state identification of a multi-stage gearbox through Hurst exponent estimates
Authors: Inturi Vamsi , Balaji Sai Venkatesh , Gyanam Praharshitha , Pragada Brahmini Priya Venkata , Geetha Rajasekharan Sabareesh , Pakrashi Vikram
Published: May 2022

The vibration and acoustic signals collected from rotating machinery are often non-stationary and aperiodic, and it is a challenge to post-process and extract the defect sensitive health indicators. In this paper, we demonstrate how the estimated Hurst exponent of such measured data can be advantageous for analyzing non-stationary and aperiodic data due to its self-similarity and scale-invariance properties. To illustrate this, the paper demonstrates detection of fault diagnostics of a multi-stage gearbox operating under fluctuating speeds through estimated Hurst exponent of the raw vibration and acoustic signals as a health indicator. Thirteen health states of the gearbox are considered, and the raw vibration and acoustic signals are collected. The Hurst exponents are calculated using three different approaches: generalized Hurst exponent (q = 1, 2, 3, and 4), rescale range statistical (R/S) analysis, and dispersion analysis from the vibration and acoustic signals. Three different health indicator datasets are formulated and subjected to feature learning through conventional machine-learning (decision tree and support vector machine) and advanced machine-learning (deep-learning) classifiers. The effectiveness of these datasets while discriminating between the health states of the gearbox is investigated, yielding classification accuracies of 96.4% when compared with the individual health indicator datasets. The ability of the fault diagnosis and defect severity analysis with reduced reliance on the signal post-processing algorithms is demonstrated.
Laboratory and field experiment validations on the use of hydraulic transients for estimating buried water pipeline deterioration
Authors: Alexander Jane , Li Zhao , Lee Pedro , Roxburgh Colin , Davidson Mark
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates the validity of using fluid transients as a rapid screening tool to augment existing methods for assessing the condition of buried water systems. In particular, the paper provides one of the first detailed investigations on the impact of pipe wall deterioration on the characteristic of transient waves in both laboratory and field experiments. Laboratory pipeline sections were deteriorated by an accelerated corrosion process using controlled electrolytic cell reactions, and three cases were considered: where corrosion is limited to the internal wall, limited to the external wall, and where both internal and external walls are corroded. Hydraulic transient tests were carried out to measure the transient wave speed in these corroded pipe sections, and the measurements are found to be consistent with the theoretical predictions using the observed wall thickness loss, confirming that wave speed can be used as an indicator of pipe wall deterioration. Field experiments were carried out in the water supply network in the Waimakariri District, New Zealand, to validate the performance of this pipe condition diagnostic methodology. Transient tests were conducted on selected 60-year-old sections of asbestos cement (AC) pipelines and sensors were connected to standard fire hydrants to measure the wave speeds and wave reflections. Compared with the theoretical calculated wave speed of intact pipelines, a 140–300 m/s wave speed decrease was observed in most of the tested sections which is in line with the expectation for pipelines of this age. The wave speeds were used to predict the in-situ thickness of the pipe wall and these predictions were found to match with computed tomography X-ray scan results of the excavated pipe with good accuracy. The same methodology was also used to correctly detect an unrecorded plastic pipe section in the AC pipe network.
Sleep behaviours and associated habits and the progression of pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mostafa Samiul A , Mena Sandra Campos , Antza Christina , Balanos George , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Tahrani Abd A
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Certain sleep behaviours increase risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the general population, but whether they contribute to the progression from pre-diabetes to T2DM is uncertain. We conducted a systematic review to assess this.

Methods

Structured searches were performed on bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL) from inception to 26/04/2021 for longitudinal studies/trials consisting of adults⩾18 years with pre-diabetes and sleep behaviours (short or long sleep duration (SD), late chronotype, insomnia, obstructive sleep apnoea, daytime napping and/or night-shift employment) that reported on incident T2DM or glycaemic changes. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for quality assessment.

Results

Six studies were included. Meta-analysis of three studies ( n = 20,139) demonstrated that short SD was associated with greater risk of progression to T2DM, hazard ratio (HR) 1.59 (95% CI 1.29-1.97), I2 heterogeneity score 0%, p < 0.0001, but not for long SD, HR 1.50 (0.86–2.62), I2 heterogeneity 77%, p = 0.15. The systematic review showed insomnia and night-shift duty were associated with higher progression to T2DM. Studies were rated as moderate-to-high quality.

Conclusions

Progression from pre-diabetes to T2DM increases with short SD, but only limited data exists for insomnia and night-shift duty. Whether manipulating sleep could reduce progression from pre-diabetes to T2DM needs to be examined.
Functional Mechanism of Ginsenoside Compound K on Tumor Growth and Metastasis
Authors: Liu Jinlong , Wang Yuchen , Yu Zhun , Lv Guangfu , Huang Xiaowei , Lin He , Ma Chao , Lin Zhe , Qu Peng
Published: May 2022

Ginsenosides, as the most important constituents of ginseng, have been extensively investigated in cancer chemoprevention and therapeutics. Among the ginsenosides, Compound K (CK), a rare protopanaxadiol type of ginsenoside, has been most broadly used for cancer treatment due to its high anticancer bioactivity. However, the functional mechanism of CK in cancer is not well known. This review describes the structure, transformation and pharmacological activity of CK and discusses the functional mechanisms of CK and its metabolites, which regulate signaling pathways related to tumor growth and metastasis. CK inhibits tumor growth by inducing tumor apoptosis and tumor cell differentiation, regulates the tumor microenvironment by suppressing tumor angiogenesis-related proteins, and downregulates the roles of immunosuppressive cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). There is currently much research on the potential development of CK as a new strategy when administered alone or in combination with other compounds.
Long Term Monitoring of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair Using Transcaval Aortic Access
Authors: Le Quang , Farivar Behzad S.
Published: May 2022

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has reduced the morbidity and mortality associated with the treatment of thoracic aortic pathologies. However, TEVAR’s use is often predicated on sufficiently large femoral access for the delivery of the endograft device. Transcaval access, or the delivery of endovascular device via the vena cava before crossing into the aorta, has been used successfully for the deployment of transcatheter aortic valves. Our institution previously reported on a case of TEVAR using transcaval access. We now report on the long-term follow-up outcome of this case. At 6 years post-surgery, computed tomography angiography (CTA) indicates stable aortic repair without any concerning findings associated with the site of transcaval access into the aorta. The patient is clinically without signs of lower extremity vascular or cardiopulmonary compromise. Overall, transcaval access for TEVAR is a promising alternative to traditional femoral artery access in highly-select patients with the appropriate anatomical and pathological indications.
A Challenging Case of Ureteroiliac Artery Fistula Managed With an Endovascular Approach
Authors: Abou Chakra Mohamad , Azoulai David , Peyromaure Michael , Barry Delongchamps Nicolas , Bailly Hugo , Lucas Alexandre , Dautry Raphaël , Duquesne Igor
Published: May 2022

Ureteroarterial fistula (UAF) is a rare but life-threatening condition because of massive hemorrhage. Risk factors include degenerative vascular diseases, previous vascular surgery, pelvic radiation, chemotherapy, pelvic surgery, and prolonged ureteral stenting. The most common presentation of UAF is massive hematuria with hemorrhagic shock. The diagnosis is always difficult even with angiography. Endovascular repair with stenting and/or coiling is effective and safe. The surgical treatment should be used in recurrent UAF cases. We reported a rare case describing rapid management of a UAF in a patient who presented with hematuria even when we had no diagnosis on the initial CT scan. The patient was in shock. Deployment of a stent graft within the common iliac artery bypassing the UAF was performed. The patient improved rapidly.