bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population size influence on the energy consumption of genetic programming
Authors: Díaz-Álvarez Josefa , Castillo Pedro A , Fernández de Vega Francisco , Chávez Francisco , Alvarado Jorge
Published: April 2022

Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) are routinely applied to solve a large set of optimization problems. Traditionally, their performance in solving those problems is analyzed using the fitness quality and computing time, and the effect of evolutionary operators on both metrics is routinely used to compare different versions of EAs. Nevertheless, scientists face nowadays the challenge of considering the energy efficiency in addition to computational time, which requires studying the energy consumption of algorithms.

This paper discusses the interest of introducing power consumption as a new metric to analyze the performance of standard genetic programming (GP). Two well-studied benchmark problems are addressed on three different computing platforms, and two different approaches to measure the power consumption have been tested.

Analyzing the population size, the results demonstrates its influence on the energy consumed: a non-linear relationship was found between size and energy required to complete an experiment. This analysis was extended to the cache memory and results show an exponential growth in the number of cache misses as the population size increases, which affects the energy consumed. This study shows that not only computing time or solution quality must be analyzed, but also the energy required to find a solution.

Summarizing, this paper shows that when GP is applied, specific considerations on how to select parameter values must be taken into account if the goal is to obtain solutions while searching for energy efficiency. Although the study has been performed using GP, we foresee that it could be similarly extended to EAs.
Arduino Uno Wi-Fi DeMilitarized Zone-based monitoring of solar photovoltaic systems
Authors: Bouzguenda Mounir , Chtourou Slim , Alarfaj Mohammed , Sumsudeen Raja Mohamed , Shwehdi Mohamed
Published: April 2022

Due to global warming, governments around the world are focusing on renewable energy as the main source of energy. Gulf countries in particular, are focusing on solar energy due to its abundance and the gulf geolocation that allows the installation of ambitious solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems and replace conventional power plants. In order to maximize energy extraction from the sun, solar power operators need to constantly monitor key solar PV parameters such as panel temperature, solar irradiation, voltage and current in order to detect abnormalities in the PV system operation and take the necessary actions to keep the PV system performance at its maximum. However, monitoring such parameters on-site is exhausting and expensive. Moreover, remote monitoring for solar PV systems is a more attractive solution once the data collection, processing and transmission become faster and less expensive. This paper describes the design of a low-cost remote monitoring system intended for off-grid solar PV systems. The designed remote monitoring system uses a combination of an Arduino Uno Wi-Fi demilitarized zone (DMZ) communication system with router-configured network sensors calibrated to fulfill the IEC-61,724 standards and it provides meteorological and electrical measurements with an error of 2% or less. There are four primary features of the proposed monitoring system. First, it combines the Arduino Uno Wi-Fi with a DMZ configuration in the router. Second, it complies with the minimum current, voltage, power, and PV-module temperature values set by the IEC-61,724 in such a way that the average error does not exceed the 4% threshold. Third, it provides an accuracy level of 98% for the meteorological and electrical parameters. This level of accuracy exceeds that of commercial data logging equipment. Finally, its total cost is less than $100, which is less than that of available commercial solar PV monitoring systems. Additional features include the ability to select the number of processed measurements per hour and innovative processing, display, and access schemes. These features enable the accessibility of the data from mobile phones and computers within the campus for teaching and experimentation purposes.
Bone fixation implants with in-situ controllable stiffness: Modifying the R-curve behavior by 3D printing
Authors: Gazor Mohammad Sajjad , Ansari Mehdi , Hedayati Seyyed kaveh , Ansari Masoud
Published: April 2022

The difference in bone stiffness with the metallic bone fixation implants increases the risk of re-fracture due to osteoporosis in the implant area. In this study, a PLA-based bio-composite bone fixation implant with controllable stiffness capability was fabricated with a 3D printer, and crack growth in samples has been studied. The stiffness controllability was made possible by controlling the fiber and polymers fractions in the 3D printing process. A logical relationship was observed between Vf, critical load, and strain energy release rate. Therefore, it can be expected that the fracture toughness can be estimated in thermoplastic bio-composites bone fixation based on the Vf.
A natural composite and nanocomposite of luffa fibers and chitosan resin under mechanical tests
Authors: Goudarzi Seyed Abolghasem , Niknejad Abbas , Heidari Fatemeh
Published: April 2022

This article introduces natural composite and nanocomposite panels of Luffa fibers–chitosan resin; and they are subjected to quasi-static penetration tests and compression experiments to discuss their penetration resistance and compression strength. Natural fibers of Luffa cylindrical sponge were used as the reinforcement and natural chitosan resin was produced from shrimp shells. Specimens with various characteristics were produced through hand layup method and they were subjected to penetration test of a blunt-nose punch. Results demonstrated that there is an optimum mass fraction for chitosan and magnetite nanoparticles to achieve the highest penetration strength; and the best layer configuration is as 0 and 90°, alternately. Furthermore, some glass-chitosan composite panels were produced and comparison of their penetration tests and the corresponding Luffa-chitosan composite experiments demonstrated that in a certain condition, the maximum loads of penetrating the punch into the both composite panels are the same. In second type experiments, quasi–static compression tests were performed on some cubic Luffa–chitosan specimens and results showed that the natural composite cube has significant specific absorbed energy; and by selecting its suitable dimensions, a natural energy absorber can be achieved. Development of the natural Luffa–chitosan composite is suggested, based on sustainability considerations; and using it in the bulletproof vests and armors is presented as a creative idea; due to its natural structure, compatibility with human skin, acceptable resistance against the penetration, its biodegradable ability and simple and low cost production process.
Does ‘Time Heal all Wounds?’ The Prevalence and Predictors of Prolonged Grief Among Drug-Death Bereaved Family Members: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Titlestad Kristine B. , Dyregrov Kari
Published: April 2022

Despite rising rates of drug-related deaths (DRDs), the consequences of DRDs for bereaved family members are scarcely investigated. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of prolonged grief (PG) symptoms in bereaved family members after DRDs, identify predictors of PG and examine whether symptom levels decrease with time. A cross-sectional design based on survey data from parents ( n = 93), siblings ( n = 78), children ( n = 24) and other family members ( n = 39) was conducted ( n = 234). Descriptive analyses, a multivariate linear regression, and ANOVA were performed. 60 family members (26%) suffered from high levels of PG symptoms after DRDs (parents 31.2%, siblings 21.8%, children 20.9%). The strongest associations were found between a high level of symptoms and ‘months since the loss’, ‘suicidal thoughts’ and ‘withdrawal from others’. The ANOVA analyses showed that time does not always ‘heal all wounds’, and the bereaved who lost one to 2 years ago had the highest level of PG symptoms.
Evaluation of the Predictive Validity of a Risk-Need-Responsivity Assessment Tool (RNR-A) in the Swedish Prison and Probation Service
Authors: Bäckström Peter Johansson , Danielsson Maria , Starfelt Sutton Louise C. , Andersson Dan
Published: April 2022

To appraise the “real-world” implementation of the risk principle, this study examined the predictive validity of a Risk-Need-Responsivity assessment in the Swedish Prison and Probation Service. Reconviction rates at 24 months follow-up in a cohort of 2,442 offenders were used to assess calibration and discrimination indices. Results indicated acceptable predictive accuracy (AUC = .68–.74), with scope for improvement among young adult offenders. The tool's utility was supported foremost by its ability to screen out low-risk offenders, while over-prediction of recidivism among medium- and high-risk offenders calls for more comprehensive assessment to inform the effective planning of rehabilitative service intensity.
Examination of the Relationship between Self and Choice of Coping Strategies among U.S. Active Duty Military Wives
Authors: Page Amy P. , Ross Abigail M. , Solomon Phyllis
Published: April 2022

Previous research indicates that one’s identity relates to one’s use of specific coping strategies. Exploring the relationship between self and coping in military wives is crucial to understanding how they manage military lifestyle-related stressors. The researchers hypothesized that identity status, self-concept clarity, self-monitoring, mastery, and role conflict will be related to choice of emotion-focused coping or problem-focused coping strategies. Two hundred two participants completed an anonymous online survey containing standardized scales. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analyses revealed that emotion-focused coping had positive relationships with achieved identity status and role conflict. Problem-focused coping had positive relationships with moratorium status, self-concept clarity, self-monitoring, and mastery. Findings provide preliminary support that sense of self is important in understanding how military wives choose to cope with particular challenges.
Tokyo’s Black Markets as an Alternative Urban Space: Occupation, Violence, and Disaster Reconstruction
Authors: Kōsei Hatsuda
Published: April 2022

Black markets emerged at every corner in cities across Japan immediately after World War II. They spread rapidly due to the collapse in the distribution and rationing system. The government’s weakened control resulted in tolerance of the markets and occasionally covert government collaboration with black marketeers. In addition, existence of easily accessible open spaces in cities, such as areas that had been cleared of buildings by forced evacuation prior to air raids or that had been left in ruins by the raids, provided the space for black marketeers to build their street stalls. The black markets supported postwar reconstruction. They also had decisive influence on the emergence of new urban structures in postwar Japan. This essay examines the persistence of earlier characteristics of urban space along with the new elements in postwar Japan’s black markets. The new international character of the postwar black markets was evident in the prominence of repatriates from Japan’s former colonies, along with Chinese and Korean residents in Japan. The black market was thus a symbolic point of convergence between the prewar Empire of Japan and the new postwar Japan.
Land, Lumber, Labor, and Excrement: A Slumlord’s View of Tokyo at the Turn of the Twentieth Century
Authors: Sand Jordan
Published: April 2022

The expansion of Tokyo’s periphery in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries was led by builder-managers who built simple wooden tenements on former farmland. These tenements provided no more than minimal shelter. In the early years of industrialization, migrants from the countryside joining the new urban proletariat established their foothold in the city in these dwellings. Although the tenement builders were responsible for the majority of the city’s housing, they left almost no trace in the historical record. One exception is Ōsaki Tatsugorō, an illiterate carpenter turned landlord who built thousands of houses between 1885 and 1903, when he dictated his autobiography. This essay uses Ōsaki’s autobiography, together with data on building materials and land prices, rents, and wages, to examine at the micro level the social context and the economic calculus underlying the early construction of the city’s sprawling working-class periphery. The Ōsaki case reveals a transitional moment before a land-centered real estate market governed by contracts and planning regulations redefined the economics of housing.
Support for Social Change Among Members of Advantaged Groups: The Role of a Dual Identity Representation and Accepting Intergroup Contact
Authors: Frisch Lisa Katharina , Sebben Simone , Liekefett Luisa , Shnabel Nurit , Visintin Emilio Paolo , Ullrich Johannes , Hässler Tabea
Published: April 2022

This preregistered research analyzed survey data from ethnic and religious advantaged groups in 12 countries ( N = 2,304) to examine the interplay between two determinants of support for social change toward intergroup equality. Drawing on the needs-based model and the common-ingroup identity model, we hypothesized that the experience of accepting intergroup contact and the endorsement of a dual identity representation of intergroup relations would be associated with greater support for equality. Furthermore, integrating the logic of both models, we tested the novel hypothesis that the positive effect of accepting contact on support for equality would be stronger under a high (vs. low) dual identity representation. While the predicted main effects received empirical support, we found no evidence for the expected interaction. These findings suggest that interventions to foster support for social change among advantaged group members can promote accepting contact and a dual identity representation independently of each other.
Selected Resources for Pathology Evaluation of Nonhuman Primates in Nonclinical Safety Assessment
Authors: Bolon Brad , Everitt Jeffrey I.
Published: April 2022

Humans and nonhuman primates (NHPs) share numerous anatomical and physiological characteristics, thereby explaining the importance of NHPs as essential animal models for translational medicine and nonclinical toxicity testing. Researchers, toxicologic pathologists, toxicologists, and regulatory reviewers must be familiar with normal and abnormal NHP biological traits when designing, performing, and interpreting data sets from NHP studies. The current compilation presents a list of essential books, journal articles, and websites that provide context to safety assessment and research scientists working with NHP models. The resources used most frequently by the authors have been briefly annotated to permit readers to rapidly ascertain their applicability to particular research endeavors. The references are aimed primarily for toxicologic pathologists working with cynomolgus and rhesus macaques and common marmosets in efficacy and safety assessment studies.
Innovative and disruptive pedagogies in music education: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Olvera-Fernández Javier , Montes-Rodríguez Ramón , Ocaña-Fernández Almudena
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) about pedagogical innovation and disruption in music education. A rigorous SLR process was applied to the selection of papers related to innovative practices in music education at different educational levels and in a range of contexts. Although there are similar studies on innovation in education, there is no SLR on pedagogical innovation and disruption in music education using this method. The purpose of this study is to present an example of how to do an SLR and to share the findings of the review itself. We also provide a snapshot based on a tight SLR process of some instances of innovation in music education that, in some way, are drawing the paths to be followed in future investigations. According to the categories of innovation that we have established to analyze our corpus of papers, disruption is produced by modifying four fundamental factors in the act of learning (purpose and context learning, teacher/student relationship, and learner role). These factors can contribute to developing a more flexible and open curricula incorporating a holistic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary vision of learning. We consider that the value of this study lies in reflecting a systematic methodological process for the analysis of the scientific literature as well as the findings.
Midterm outcomes (2 years) using the Venovo™ and Sinus Obliquus™ venous stents in the treatment of non-thrombotic and post-thrombotic iliac vein lesions – Results from a multi-centre Asian cohort
Authors: Tang Tjun Yip , Yap Charyl Jia Qi , Chan Sze Ling , Soon Shereen Xue Yun , Lim Mervin Han Hui , Tan Jimmy Wei Hwa
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Medium-term outcome data are lacking for dedicated venous stents especially from the Asian population.

Objectives

Aim was to determine the 2-year patency and symptomatic relief gained from using the BD Venovo™ and Optimed Sinus Obliquus™venous stents for ilio-femoral obstruction (IFO).

Methods

60 patients (71 limbs; 39 females; mean age of 66.4 ± 11.9 years) were included in this prospective dual centre Asian cohort. Clinical improvement was determined by change in the CEAP, rVCSS and pain scores. Stent patency and stenosis were measured using area reduction on CTV and diameter reduction on Duplex ultrasound.

Results

At 2 years, 65.7% showed ≥1 CEAP score improvement from baseline and rVCSS and pain scores remained low and sustained. 87.1% venous leg ulcers remained healed. Freedom from target lesion revascularisation was 94.3% and overall stent patency was 87.1%. There were no stent fractures or migration reported.

Conclusion

Dedicated venous stents for IFO were associated with sustained clinical improvement and a high freedom from reintervention at 2 years in Asian patients.
Clinical evidence for improving exercise tolerance and quality of life with pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lei Siyuan , Li Xuanlin , Xie Yang , Li Jiansheng
Published: April 2022

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pulmonary rehabilitation for exercise tolerance and quality of life improvement in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, and Chongqing VIP for randomized controlled trials that compared pulmonary rehabilitation with usual care for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias tool and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria.

Results

Eleven trials in total with 549 participants. Compared with usual care, pulmonary rehabilitation significantly increased 6-minute walking distance (mean difference: 35.2m, 95% confidence intervals: 25.4m–44.9m; ten trials; 447 participants; moderate), decreased the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire total scores (mean difference: −9.11, 95% confidence intervals: −10.78 to −7.43; six trials; 303 participants; moderate), and reduced the modified Medical Research Council scores were lower (mean difference: −0.76, 95% confidence intervals: −1.25 to −0.27; three trials; 196 participants; low). Improvements were noted in forced vital capacity percent-predicted (mean difference: 4.88, 95% confidence intervals: 2.67 to 7.10; four trials; 214 participants; moderate) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (mean difference: 4.71, 95% confidence intervals: 0.96 to 8.46; six trials; 358 participants; low).

Conclusions

Pulmonary rehabilitation may significantly improve exercise tolerance and quality of life in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients, but the quality of evidence was low to moderate. Large sample, multicenter, randomized controlled trials are needed to verify the efficacy and safety of pulmonary rehabilitation.
Application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing for bronchoalveolar lavage diagnostics in patients with lower respiratory tract infections
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Yang Xue , Wang Junli , Xu Jian , Wang Mengyi
Published: April 2022

Objective

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has the potential to overcome the shortcomings of traditional culture methods. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of mNGS in patients with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs).

Methods

This retrospective observational study sequentially enrolled 47 patients with LRTIs admitted to Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University between February 2019 and November 2020. Pathogens in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were investigated to compare diagnoses by mNGS with culture methods.

Results

Compared with culture methods, mNGS had a diagnostic sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 35.13% with an agreement rate of 44.68% between these two methods. mNGS significantly increased the pathogen detection rate.

Conclusions

mNGS may show some advantages in identifying a wide range of LRTI pathogens, improving the sensitivity for viruses and atypical pathogens. The clinical application of NGS technology is worth looking forward to.
Piperlongumine combined with vitamin C as a new adjuvant therapy against gastric cancer regulates the ROS–STAT3 pathway
Authors: Chen Di , Wei Xinyue , Yang Ke , Liu Xinyue , Song Yujin , Bai Futing , Jiang Yi , Guo Yuhang , Jha Rajiv Kumar
Published: April 2022

Objective

To investigate the effects of piperlongumine (PL) and vitamin C (VC) on signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signalling in gastric cancer cell lines.

Methods

In vivo tumour xenograft anticancer assays were undertaken to confirm the anticancer activity of PL. Cell viability, flow cytometry and Western blot assays were undertaken to evaluate the anticancer effects of PL, VC and combinations of PL and VC in AGS and KATO III cells.

Results

Both PL and VC induced apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation in AGS and KATO III cells. These effects were dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS). PL effectively suppressed STAT3 activation while VC caused abnormal activation of STAT3. The combination of PL and VC exhibited a stronger apoptotic effect compared with either agent alone. PL reversed the abnormal activation of STAT3 by VC, which could be a key to their synergistic effect.

Conclusions

PL combined with VC exhibited a stronger anticancer effect by regulating the ROS–STAT3 pathway, suggesting that this combination might be a potential adjuvant therapy for gastric cancer.
First and Last Miles by Cargo Bikes: Ecological Commitment or Economically Feasible? The Case of a Parcel Service Company in Paris
Authors: Robichet Antoine , Nierat Patrick , Combes Francois
Published: April 2022

Urban logistics is a key step in distribution chains. It implies the use of trucks in congested areas, and generates numerous externalities (congestion, noise, pollution, etc.). Supply chain configurations and consumer behaviors are undergoing deep changes, with a significant increase in the intensity of urban logistics and a diversification of delivery channels within cities. This is an important challenge for city sustainability, as urban logistics is an essential economic activity, and yet the source of intense negative externalities. Numerous directions are currently being explored to rethink urban logistics, such as drones, cargo bikes, crowd logistics, and so forth. However, the economic and environmental relevance of these technologies is not yet perfectly clear. This paper focuses on the conditions for the financial sustainability of cargo bikes compared with electric light commercial vehicles (LCVs). The analysis is based on real data, provided by the parcel service company DB Schenker. The dataset consists of 600,000 operations made in Paris over two months. Operations with electric LCV are assumed to be identical to conventional LCV; the cost comparison is based on a total cost of ownership approach. Operations with cargo bikes assumes that eligible shipments are first brought to micro hubs within the city by electric LCV, then delivered by cargo bike. The numbers and locations of micro hubs are optimized. Results show that a cargo bike solution can be more cost-efficient than electric LCV with a few micro hubs located where the demand is densest, but they can only be relevant financially in those conditions.
Investigating the Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Perception of Residential Accessibility in Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area
Authors: Shakib Saeed , Hawkins Jason , Nurul Habib Khandker
Published: April 2022

This paper investigates the changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on households’ perceived utility of the accessibility of their residence in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). The paper considers several neighborhood and dwelling attributes and fuses those with property price data from mid-March 2019 to mid-March 2021 to analyze changes in housing trends before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two mixed geographically weighted regression (MGWR) models are estimated for the year before the start of the pandemic and the year during the pandemic to address spatial autocorrelation and non-stationarity in price data. The empirical models reveal new patterns in accessibility perception for some factors, including accessibility to regional subway and inter-regional rail transit. This study also contributes to the literature of MGWR modeling by assessing the capacity of the model through validation procedures. Estimation is performed on randomly selected samples from the population to compare the errors with the population-based model and a traditional hedonic price model. The findings suggest that the application of MGWR is restricted to cases where price data are abundant.
Estimates of Willingness to Pay and Value of Time for the Dynamic Toll Lanes in Freeway PR-22 in Puerto Rico
Authors: Miguel Figueroa-Medina Alberto , del Valle-González Carlos A. , Cortez-Cuervo Isaac , Rodríguez-Román Daniel , Colucci-Ríos Benjamín
Published: April 2022

Willingness-to-pay measures were estimated for users of the PR-22 Freeway in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The first dynamic toll lane (DTL) facility in Puerto Rico started operations in 2013 on PR-22. The PR-22 segment examined consists of two reversible express lanes along the median with a dynamic pricing scheme and six general traffic lanes with a fixed toll rate. Willingness-to-pay for the DTL was assessed using the Van Westendorp Price Sensitivity Meter (VWPSM) analysis. Moreover, discrete choice analysis was used to estimate the users’ willingness to pay for travel time savings. The data used in this analysis was obtained through an online survey that presented participants with direct willingness-to-pay questions, toll lane choice scenarios, and, for declared DTL users, questions about their reasons for using the facility. The aggregate analysis of the VWPSM estimated a willingness-to-pay range for the DTL of $1.00 to $2.79, which is lower than the maximum toll rate of $4.95 charged for the managed lane facility. The stated preference scenarios provided a value of time (VOT) estimate of $21.47 per hour. The VOT value is higher than the estimate for local personal travel of $10.00 per hour. There is evidence in support of inflated VOT values for high-occupancy toll lanes and variable toll facilities. Another reasoning could be that PR-22 users overestimated their time savings. Still, the estimated VOT for the PR-22 DTL is relatively low in comparison with other managed lane facilities in the United States.
Combination of Lidocaine and IL-1Ra Is Effective at Reducing Degradation of Porcine Cartilage Explants
Authors: Buchanan Michael W. , Furman Bridgette D. , McNulty Amy L. , Olson Steven A.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Posttraumatic inflammation after joint injury, ranging from sprains to articular fracture, contributes to the development of arthritis, and the administration of interleukin 1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) is a potential intervention to mitigate this response. Although IL-1Ra mitigates cartilage degenerative changes induced by IL-1, lidocaine is used for local pain management in acute joint injury. Intra-articular delivery of both drugs in combination would be a novel and possibly disease–modifying treatment. However, it is not known whether the interaction with lidocaine at clinical concentrations (1%) would alter the efficacy of IL-1Ra to protect cartilage from the catabolic effects of IL-1.

Hypothesis:

Treatment of articular cartilage with IL-1Ra in combination with a clinically relevant concentration of lidocaine (1%) will inhibit the catabolic effects of IL-1α in a manner similar to treatment with IL-1Ra alone.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Fresh porcine cartilage explants were harvested, challenged with IL-1α, and incubated for 72 hours with IL-1Ra or a combination of IL-1Ra and lidocaine. The primary outcome was total sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) release. Additional experiments assessed the effect of storage temperature and premixing of IL-1Ra and lidocaine on sGAG release. All explants were histologically assessed for cartilage degradation using a modified Mankin grading scale.

Results:

The combination of IL-1Ra and lidocaine, premixed at various time points and stored at room temperature or 4°C, was as effective as IL-1Ra alone at inhibiting IL-1α–mediated sGAG release. Mankin histopathology scores supported these findings.

Conclusion:

Our hypothesis was supported, and results indicated that the combination of IL-1Ra and lidocaine was as efficacious as IL-1Ra treatment alone in acutely mitigating biological cartilage injury due to IL-1α in an explant model.

Clinical Significance:

The combination of IL-1Ra and lidocaine is stable when reagents are stored in advance of administration at varying temperatures, providing clinically relevant information about storage of medications. The ability to premix and store this drug combination for intra–articular delivery may provide a novel treatment after joint injury to provide pain relief and block inflammation–induced catabolism of joint tissues.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of brimonidine loaded silica nanoparticles-laden silicone contact lenses to manage glaucoma
Authors: Xu Yunli , Li Hongyi
Published: April 2022

Glaucoma is treated by frequent instillation of 0.2% w/v brimonidine tartrate eye drop solution, which showed poor ocular bioavailability of 1–3%. Medicated contact lenses can be used to improve the ocular drug bioavailability. However, drug loading in the contact lens matrix showed high burst release and changes the optophysical properties of the contact lens material. In this paper, a novel brimonidine loaded silica nanoparticles-laden silicone contact lenses (Bri-Si) were designed to achieve controlled drug delivery without altering the optophysical properties of the contact lens. Silica nanoparticles were prepared by polymerizing octadecyltrimethoxysilane (OTMS) molecules at the oil/water interface of microemulsion. Traditional soaking method (Bri-SM), direct brimonidine-loading method (Bri-DL) and microemulsion-laden contact lens (Bri-ME) were developed for comparison. The Bri-Si lens showed improved swelling, transmittance, oxygen permeability and lysozyme adherence compared to Bri-SM, Bri-DL and Bri-ME lenses. The Bri-DL lens showed high brimonidine leaching during extraction and sterilization steps, with low cumulative drug release. While, Bri-Si lens show controlled brimonidine release for 144 h. In a rabbit tear fluid model, the Bri-Si lens showed high brimonidine concentration for 96 h compared to Bri-ME lens and eye drop therapy. Based on histopathological studies of cornea, the Bri-Si lens was found to be safe for human applications. The data demonstrated the novel application of silica nanoparticles to control brimonidine release from the contact lens without altering the optophysical properties of the contact lens.
Familial Tensions: Morphing Gender Relations of Power Among Tajik Migrant Workers in Russia
Authors: Shokirova Takhmina
Published: April 2022

International labor migration impacts gender relations between migrant workers and their families. Social workers need a more nuanced understanding of the gendered aspects of international migration for developing ethical social work practices and research. This article discusses morphing gender relations of power within the family context. The data presented in this paper originated from conversational interviews that were conducted in Tajikistan and Russia. Using social constructivism and intersectionality as the main theoretical approaches, this paper illustrates how male–male, male–female, and female–female gender relations are constantly negotiated and renegotiated within the family in the midst of labor mobility. This distinct understanding is critical for social workers who work with migrant workers and their families both locally and globally.
Workplace Trauma in a Digital Age: The Impact of Video Evidence of Violent Crime on Criminal Justice Professionals
Authors: Birze Arija , Regehr Kaitlyn , Regehr Cheryl
Published: April 2022

High-quality video and audio recordings of violent crimes, captured using now ubiquitous digital technologies, play an increasingly important role in the administration of justice. However, the effects of exposure to gruesome material presented in this form on criminal justice professionals who analyze, evaluate, and use this potentially traumatic content in the context of their work, are largely unknown. Using long interviews and constructivist grounded theory, this qualitative study sought to explore experiences of exposure to video evidence of violent crime among Canadian criminal justice professionals. Sixteen individuals including police, lawyers, judges, psychiatrists, law clerks, and court reporters volunteered to participate in qualitative long interviews asking about workplace exposures to violent videos. Themes identified address the ubiquity of video evidence of violent crime; proximity to violence through video; being blindsided through lack of preparedness for violent content; repeated exposures through multiple and protracted viewings; insufficient customary methods for self-protection; and the enduring impact of exposure to videoed violence. We determine that criminal justice professionals are increasingly and repeatedly presented with deeply disturbing imagery that was once imperceptible or unknowable and thus previously held at a greater distance. Elements of what is newly visible and audible in video evidence of violent crime create a new emotional proximity to violence that potentially increases the risks of secondary trauma and underscores the need for improved safety measures.
Are You for Real? Perceptions of Authenticity Are Systematically Biased and Not Accurate
Authors: Bailey Erica R. , Levy Aharon
Published: April 2022

Can people accurately perceive who is authentic? Laypeople believe they can tell who is authentic, and they report that authenticity is an important attribute in others (Studies 1a and 1b; N = 369). However, when we directly tested the accuracy of perceived authenticity, we found no significant correlation between self- and other-rated authenticity in two cohorts of adult students in randomly assigned teams (Studies 2 and 3; 4,040 self-other observations). In addition, we found that perceived authenticity was biased in two ways: (a) Other-rated authenticity showed a positivity bias compared with self-ratings, and (b) other-rated authenticity was biased by the rater’s own authenticity. In Study 3, we also investigated authenticity meta-perceptions; although people expect their authenticity to be accurately perceived by others, their meta-perceptions did not correlate with other-rated authenticity. That is, beliefs about the visibility of one’s authenticity are similarly not accurate. Overall, we found no evidence that people can accurately identify who is authentic.
Comparison of beam theories for characterisation of a NREL wind turbine blade flap-wise vibration
Authors: Algolfat Amna , Wang Weizhuo , Albarbar Alhussein
Published: April 2022

The harsh weather conditions offshore wind turbine blades are working under have necessitated the need for a more effective approach for detecting their failures. Dynamic characteristics e.g., vibration, carry useful information related to blades structural health. Critical analysis of the blade’s free vibration represents one of the fundamental steps for assessing structural dynamics. When a rotating blade deflects, either in the plane of rotation or perpendicular to it, the centrifugal force exerts inertia force along the blade span, which increases the blade’s natural frequencies compared with the stationary ones. However, the influence of different blade parameters on the flap-wise vibrations is not very well understood. In this paper, the effects of such parameters on dynamic characteristics of National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 5-MW wind turbine blades are investigated using different beam theories. The examined models have been used to determine the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 5-MW wind turbine. Results demonstrate that increasing angular velocity significantly impacts the natural frequencies and mode shapes. The rotary inertia is found to influence the free vibration responses of the studied blades. Moreover, increasing hub radius, pre-cone and pitch angles are found to have less influence on the natural frequencies. Mode shape comparisons were also carried out using MSF (modal scale factor) and MAC (modal assurance criteria). Compared to the other investigated methods, Bernoulli’s based algorithms are found to produce less accurate results.
Impact of the inducer meridional length on the tandem impeller performance within a transonic centrifugal compressor
Authors: Li Ziliang , Xue Yapeng , Feng Luwen , Wu Yanhui , Lu Xingen
Published: April 2022

Tandem impeller configuration has the potential to improve the performance of highly loaded transonic centrifugal compressors, while the related research is still in the early stages and general design guidelines, such as the selection of inducer meridional length, are limited so far. In this paper, a highly loaded transonic centrifugal compressor with various tandem impeller configurations is numerically investigated. The objective is to evaluate the impact of inducer meridional length [Formula: see text] on the tandem impeller flow structure and performance, and further to look into the underlying flow mechanisms and design principles of the tandem impeller. The results indicate that the inducer meridional length [Formula: see text] has significant effect on the tandem impeller and compressor stage performance. There exits an optimized tandem impeller [Formula: see text] value of Appr. 38% that achieves a compressor stage pressure ratio and efficiency gain (at the P.E. points) of 2.6% and 1.8%, respectively, and deviating from the optimized [Formula: see text] value will lead to deteriorated compressor performance. In terms of the impeller performance, the inducer trailing edge determined by the inducer meridional length [Formula: see text] should be located downstream of the passage shock to reduce the shock and inducer wake losses. However, the inducer blade should also be placed in the impeller axial part to avoid the exudcer incidence angle deviation. In terms of the diffuser performance which is partly determined by the impeller discharge flow uniformity, the inducer meridional length [Formula: see text] directly affects the tandem impeller discharge flow uniformity by rearranging and controlling the secondary flow patterns, and the flow uniformity is prone to be insensitive to the [Formula: see text] variation when the [Formula: see text] value is large enough (i.e. ≥30%). Additionally, the [Formula: see text] value should be large enough (i.e. ≥20%) to generate intense inducer shedding vortexes, which can suppress the development of Coriolis vortex and finally improve the impeller flow uniformity.
Porphyromonas gingivalis amount in the tongue biofilm is associated with erosive arthritis in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ceccarelli Fulvia , Saccucci Matteo , Natalucci Francesco , Olivieri Giulio , Bruni Erika , Iacono Roberta , Colasanti Tania , Di Carlo Gabriele , Alessandri Cristiano , Uccelletti Daniela , Russo Paola , Pilloni Andrea , Conti Fabrizio , Polimeni Antonella
Published: April 2022

Background

Several data have demonstrated the occurrence of erosive arthritis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients. However, a few studies have focused on the pathogenic mechanisms involved in this feature. The implication of oral pathogens has been proved in Rheumatoid Arthritis: in particular, Porphyromonas gingivalis ( Pg), by inducing citrullination, could trigger autoimmune response. Here, we evaluated amount of Pg on the tongue in a cohort of SLE patients with arthritis, focusing on the association with the erosive phenotype.

Methods

SLE patients with arthritis were enrolled. DAS28 was applied to assess activity. Erosive damage was evaluated by ultrasound at level of MCP (metacarpophalangeal) and PIP (proximal interphalangeals) joints. All subjects underwent a tongue cytologic swab in order to quantify the amount of Pg (real-time PCR). The bacterium expression was obtained from the ratio between the patient’s DNA amount and that obtained from healthy subjects.

Results

33 patients were enrolled (M/F 3/30; median age 47 years, IQR 17; median disease duration 216 months, IQR 180): 12 of them (36.4%) showed erosive damage, significantly associated with ACPA positivity ( p = 0.03) and higher values of DAS28 ( p = 0.01). A mean ratio of 19.7 ± 31.1 was found for Pg amount. Therefore, we used Pg mean values as threshold, identifying two groups of patients, namely, high Pg and low Pg. Erosive damage was significantly more frequent in high Pg patients in comparison with low Pg (60.0% vs 26.0%, p = 0.001). Furthermore, high Pg patients showed higher prevalence of skin manifestations, serositis, and neurological involvement ( p = 0.005, p = 0.03, p = 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusion

The possible contribution of oral microbiota in SLE erosive arthritis was here evaluated for the first time, finding a significant association between erosive damage and higher expression of Pg at tongue level.
The trench of death: What’s in a name, 1914-1918
Authors: Van der Fraenen Jan
Published: April 2022

During the Great War, hundreds of kilometres of trenches were indicated on maps. The names are extremely diverse and some of them can be more easily explained than others. The name of the most famous Belgian trench, the Trench of Death, has never been examined. It is generally accepted that the name reflects the large number of lives lost in the trench. Research reveals that the name appeared in June 1915, a point in time when casualties were only few. The name is indicative for the dangerous circumstances experienced in this very spot and for Belgian casualties left behind.
‘Fuzzy Wuzzy’ soldiers: Race and Papua New Guinean soldiers in the Australian Army, 1940–60
Authors: Moss Tristan
Published: April 2022

This article examines the most militarily important indigenous units formed by Australia, arguing that racially based assumptions played a central role in how Papua New Guinean soldiers were conceptualized and used by the Australian Army during the 1940s and 1950s. Equally, while the perception of Papua New Guinean soldiers was heavily racialized, there was no construction of a martial race myth by Australians, in contrast to many colonial armies. Instead, Australia reluctantly recruited Papua New Guineans as a form of cheap manpower familiar with local conditions and saw them as simple soldiers who were potentially a threat to colonial rule.
‘The termination of the long immunity from air raids’: The bombing of Berlin under Operation Tannenberg, August 1942–March 1943
Authors: Worrall Richard John
Published: April 2022

Arthur Harris infamously pursued the Battle of Berlin in winter 1943/1944 in the face of an increasingly sceptical Air Staff and a disinterested prime minister. The irony was that originally the C-in-C Bomber Command was lukewarm about bombing Berlin. Instead, it was Churchill who continually pressed for attacking the German Capital under Operation Tannenberg, which went ahead in mid-January 1943, for wider political considerations, especially Anglo-Soviet relations. For the Air Staff and Harris, they endeavoured to use Churchill’s enthusiasm for bombing Berlin to further an agenda of increasing the qualitative and quantitative capabilities of Bomber Command.
Spaces of the local, spaces of the nation: Intersectional bordering practices in post-Brexit Berlin
Authors: Kulz Christy
Published: April 2022

This article examines the relationship between bordering practices and processes of situated intersectionality by exploring how British migrants encounter and erect borders as they move through Berlin. Through exploring how research participants conceptualise and orientate themselves towards Berlin’s city spaces and how this relates to transnational and translocal processes of classification, I interrogate how processes of racialisation and classification move across European contexts to manifest within localised spaces. The research explores how these intersections work to minimise, accentuate or transfigure one another as inequalities come into being through urban space by placing feminist intersectional approaches in conversation with border studies. By uniquely focusing on a migrant group infrequently considered in European migration literatures, and often regarded as invisible or unproblematic, we can examine how race, class and gender intersect with nationality and how racialised exclusions from European belonging function through everyday processes. I highlight how classification processes have transnational portability and carry intra-European similarities, yet also assuming context-specific features.
Qualitative Investigation of Customer Delight and Terrible Hospitality Experiences
Authors: Kumar Kaushik Arun , Gupta Rajeev , Kumar Mukesh
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this research is to examine various incidents relating to both delightful and terrible hospitality experiences in the hotel industry, using a qualitative research design. Critical incident analysis is conducted on data collected from 167 respondents in major tourist destinations of India. An open-ended questionnaire is developed for conducting in-depth interviews. Results reveal 16 interpersonal and 8 non-interpersonal factors responsible for customer delight and terrible experiences, affecting a consumer’s revisit intention and favourable recommendations. Some of the interpersonal factors include attractive voice, quick response and well dressed. The non-interpersonal factors are related to cleanliness, interiors, food and other physical evidence. A few critical limitations and future research directions are suggested. Some decisive implications for industry practitioners are also discussed. This study promotes interpersonal interactions between employees and customers by facilitating the effective use of technology. Society will also benefit from the effective implementation of such technology in the service industry. To the best of the author’s knowledge, no research has explored delightful and terrible customer experiences within the Indian hospitality industry.