bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Points of Contact
Authors: Posegay Nick
Published: December 2021

In the first few centuries of Islam, Middle Eastern Christians, Muslims, and Jews alike all faced the challenges of preserving their holy texts in the midst of a changing religious landscape. This situation led Syriac, Arabic, and Hebrew scholars to develop new fields of linguistic science in order to better analyse the languages of the Bible and the Qurʾān.

Part of this work dealt with the issue of vocalisation in Semitic scripts, which lacked the letters required to precisely record all the vowels in their languages. Semitic scribes thus developed systems of written vocalisation points to better record vowel sounds, first in Syriac, then soon after in Arabic and Hebrew. These new points opened a new field of linguistic analysis, enabling medieval grammarians to more easily examine vowel phonology and explore the relationships between phonetics and orthography.

Many aspects of this new field of vocalisation crossed the boundaries between religious communities, first with the spread of ‘relative’ vocalisation systems prior to the eighth century, and later with the terminology created to name the discrete vowels of ‘absolute’ vocalisation systems.

This book investigates the theories behind Semitic vocalisation and vowel phonology in the early medieval Middle East, tracing their evolution to identify points of intellectual contact between Syriac, Arabic, and Hebrew linguists before the twelfth century.
The Effect of Explicit Convection on Climate Change in the West African Monsoon and Central West African Sahel Rainfall
Authors: Jackson Lawrence S. , Marsham John H. , Parker Douglas J. , Finney Declan L. , Fitzpatrick Rory G. J. , Rowell David P. , Stratton Rachel A. , Tucker Simon
Published: December 2021

The West African monsoon (WAM) is the dominant feature of West African climate providing the majority of annual rainfall. Projections of future rainfall over the West African Sahel are deeply uncertain, with a key reason likely to be moist convection, which is typically parameterized in global climate models. Here, we use a pan-African convection-permitting simulation (CP4), alongside a parameterized convection simulation (P25), to determine the key processes that underpin the effect of explicit convection on the climate change of the central West African Sahel (12°–17°N, 8°W–2°E). In current climate, CP4 affects WAM processes on multiple scales compared to P25. There are differences in the diurnal cycles of rainfall, moisture convergence, and atmospheric humidity. There are upscale impacts: the WAM penetrates farther north, there is greater humidity over the northern Sahel and the Saharan heat low regions, the subtropical subsidence rate over the Sahara is weaker, and ascent within the tropical rain belt is deeper. Under climate change, the WAM shifts northward and Hadley circulation weakens in P25 and CP4. The differences between P25 and CP4 persist, however, underpinned by process differences at the diurnal scale and large scale. Mean rainfall increases 17.1% in CP4 compared to 6.7% in P25 and there is greater weakening in tropical ascent and subtropical subsidence in CP4. These findings show the limitations of parameterized convection and demonstrate the value that explicit convection simulations can provide to climate modelers and climate policy decision makers.
Mental disorders and their impact on school performance and high school completion by gender in Australia: A matched population-based cohort study
Authors: Mitchell Rebecca J , McMaugh Anne , Schniering Carolyn , Cameron Cate M , Lystad Reidar P , Badgery-Parker Tim , Nielssen Olav
Published: December 2021

Background:

Young people with a mental disorder often perform poorly at school and can fail to complete high school. This study aims to compare scholastic performance and high school completion of young people hospitalised with a mental disorder compared to young people not hospitalised for a mental disorder health condition by gender.

Method:

A population-based matched case-comparison cohort study of young people aged ⩽18 years hospitalised for a mental disorder during 2005–2018 in New South Wales, Australia using linked birth, health, education and mortality records. The comparison cohort was matched on age, gender and residential postcode. Generalised linear mixed modelling examined risk of school performance below the national minimum standard and generalised linear regression examined risk of not completing high school for young people with a mental disorder compared to matched peers.

Results:

Young males with a mental disorder had over a 1.7 times higher risk of not achieving the national minimum standard for numeracy (adjusted relative risk: 1.71; 95% confidence interval: [1.35, 2.15]) and reading (adjusted relative risk: 1.99; 95% confidence interval: [1.80, 2.20]) compared to matched peers. Young females with a mental disorder had around 1.5 times higher risk of not achieving the national minimum standard for numeracy (adjusted relative risk: 1.50; 95% confidence interval: [1.14, 1.96]) compared to matched peers. Both young males and females with a disorder had around a three times higher risk of not completing high school compared to peers. Young males with multiple disorders had up to a sixfold increased risk and young females with multiple disorders had up to an eightfold increased risk of not completing high school compared to peers.

Conclusion:

Early recognition and support could improve school performance and educational outcomes for young people who were hospitalised with a mental disorder. This support should be provided in conjunction with access to mental health services and school involvement and assistance.
Key demographic and mental disorder diagnostic differences between Australian First Nations and non-First Nations clinic-referred children and adolescents assessed in a culturally appropriate and safe way
Authors: Vance Alasdair , Winther Jo , McGaw Janet , White Selena
Published: December 2021

Objective:

Increased point prevalence rates of oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder have been reported in American Indian and Canadian First Nations children and adolescents. To date, in Australia, there has been no published examination of standardized Diagnostic and Statistical Manual mental disorder diagnoses in First Nations children and adolescents, determined after addressing key cultural methodological issues.

Methods:

In all, 113 First Nations children and adolescents and 217 non-First Nations young people, aged 6–16  years, age, gender, mental disorder symptom severity, symptom-linked distress and impairment matched were recruited in a case control study. Also, 112 typically developing non-First Nations participants, age and gender matched to the other two clinical groups as a second comparison group were recruited. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual mental disorder diagnoses via semi-structured clinical interview, social adversity status and full scale IQ were determined in all participants with cultural validity and reliability of the impairing patterns of symptoms in First Nations young people determined by First Nations mental health staff and Aboriginal Health Liaison Officers. Full scale IQ and social adversity status were appropriately controlled in the Logistic Regression analyses of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual mental disorder diagnoses between the two clinical groups.

Results:

Oppositional defiant disorder was the only diagnostic and statistical manual mental disorder diagnosis that differed between the First Nations and non-First Nations clinical groups, adjusting for confounding by social adversity status and full scale IQ in the multivariable model. The point prevalence of oppositional defiant disorder was 2.94 times higher (95% confidence interval: 1.14–7.69) among the First Nations compared to the non-First Nations clinical group.

Conclusion:

Key known risk factors for oppositional defiant disorder can be identified early and holistically managed in First Nations young people. This will prevent oppositional defiant disorder decreasing their access to mental health services and increasing their involvement in the criminal justice system. In addition, the resilience building aspects of oppositional defiant disorder that may enhance self-respect need to be nurtured.
It Takes a Village: Engaging With Solidarity in Practice, Anti-Black Racism Work, Advocacy, and Education
Authors: O’Leary Wiley Mary
Published: December 2021

This 2021 presidential address focuses on Mary O'Leary Wiley's theme for 2020-2021, It Takes a Village: Engaging with Solidarity in Practice, Anti-Black Racism Work, Advocacy, and Education. She traces the threads that led to her presidential vision in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened awareness of systemic racism, and details the contributions of many Society of Counseling Psychology members who contributed to our progress throughout the year. She discusses ways that counseling psychologists practice in ways that are different from many other psychologists in that they emphasize the environmental and prevention contexts, which lay the intellectual groundwork for psychologists engaging in social justice initiatives.
Review – Tom Lodge, Red Road to Freedom, A History of the South African Communist Party 1921–2021, Jacana, Johannesburg
Authors: Cronin Jeremy
Published: December 2021

In the year of the South African Communist Party’s centenary, Tom Lodge’s in-depth, scholarly work is a landmark achievement. The account is particularly strong in tracing the ideological currents that shaped the party and the changing and diverse sociology of its membership. The influential role of the party in helping transform the African National Congress into a mass-based campaigning formation from 1945 is a central focus. Lodge also traces the critical role of the party in the re-building, at first largely in exile, of a weakened ANC following the major strategic setback of the liberation movement in the mid-1960s. There is less focus on the reciprocal impact of the ANC upon the party, especially in the context of the practice of “dual membership” in both formations. This neglect is one factor in weakening the analysis of the post-1994 period in which the ANC has been the ruling party.
Filtration efficiency and differential pressure of fabrics used in non-medical masks based on SARS COVID-19 particle size
Authors: Freeman Charles , Burch Reuben , Black Catherine , Strawderman Lesley , Rickert Jaime , Wilson John , Saucier David , Smith Brian
Published: December 2021

Non-medical fabric masks, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, are available in various fabrics. There is limited research on the overall effectiveness of fabrics used to make masks. The purpose of this study was to assess fabrics commonly used in non-medical masks against their ability to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 based on the size and throughput of aerosols and particles (<1[Formula: see text]m). Seven different fabrics were evaluated on filtration efficiency (FE), differential pressure (dP), and filtration quality (Q factor). Results indicate <16% FE against particles the size of COVID-19, dP <0.51 in w.c., and Q factor <0.004 Pa−1. FE results are lower than previously reported research with dP and Q factors within international guidelines. Using non-medical fabric masks as the sole mitigation strategy is not effective. It is critical to combine non-medical fabric masks with physical distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19 further.
Association of major dietary patterns with resting metabolic rate and body fatness in middle-aged men and women: Results from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shahinfar Hossein , Payandeh Nastaran , Ebaditabar Mojdeh , Babaei Nadia , Davarzani Samira , Djafarian Kurosh , Shab-Bidar Sakineh
Published: December 2021

Background: The association of dietary patterns and resting metabolic rate is still unclear. Aim: To study the relationship between the major dietary patterns, resting metabolic rate, and adiposity measures in Iranian adults. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 270 adults aged between 18–45 years old who lived in Tehran. Dietary intakes were achieved using food frequency questionnaire. Resting metabolic rate was measured using indirect calorimetry. Anthropometric measures were recorded using body composition analyzer. Results: Three major dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis labeled as healthy pattern (vegetables, fruits, and fruits juices, legumes, poultry, nuts, fish, egg, low fat dairy product, olive, and olive oil), mixed pattern (non-refined cereals, vegetables, vegetable oils, mayonnaise, high fat dairy product and, pickles), Western pattern (refined cereals, red or processed meat, soft drinks, sweets and desserts, Tea and coffee, salty snacks and French fries). After adjusting for covariates higher score of the Western dietary pattern was associated with lower resting metabolic rate ( p = 0.023). There was significant decreasing difference in means for fat free mass across tertiles of mixed pattern when the first tertile was compared to the third tertile ( p = 0.046). Higher adherence to healthy pattern was associated with lower body weight ( p = 0.034), body mass index ( p = 0.021), and higher resting metabolic rate ( p = 0.033). Conclusions: Higher adherence to the Western dietary pattern was associated with a lower amount of resting metabolic rate. Also higher adherence to the healthy dietary pattern was associated with higher resting metabolic rate and lower body weight and body mass index. Further studies are required to examine the causal relationship between dietary patterns and resting metabolic rate.
Language and Social Psychology Approaches to Race, Racism, and Social Justice: Analyzing the Past and Revealing Ways Forward
Authors: Shrikant Natasha , Giles Howard , Angus Daniel
Published: December 2021

Issues of race, racism, and social justice are under-studied topics in this journal. This Prologue, and our Special Issue (S.I.) more broadly, highlights ways that language and social psychology (LSP) approaches can further our understanding of race, racism, and social justice, while suggesting more inclusive directions for their theoretical development. Acknowledging the inspiration from the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, we begin by discussing our deeply-held personal and emotional connections to recent societal events, including police violence against innocent Black civilians and the prevalence of anti-Asian hate. What follows, then, is: a historical analysis of past JLSP publications on these issues, a proposal for more intersections between LSP and communication social justice research, and an overview of the BLM movement together with the four articles that follow. We conclude by advocating for individual and institutional practices that can create socially-just changes by LSP scholars in the academy.
A sequential relationship between entrepreneurial orientation, human resource management practices, collective organisational engagement and innovation performance of small and medium enterprises
Authors: Shahzad Khuram , De Sisto Marco , Rasheed Muhammad Athar , Bajwa Sami U , Liu Wei , Bartram Timothy
Published: December 2021

Despite the increasing relevance of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) for innovation performance in the context of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), few studies examine the complexity of the underlying mechanism that explains the relationship between EO and innovation performance. Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV) and signalling theory, we examine an organisation-level model to explain how SME EO predicts innovation performance through human resource management (HRM) practices and collective organisational engagement (COE). We used data collected from 186 human resource managers and 526 employees in SMEs. The results indicate that HRM practices and COE sequentially mediate the relationship between EO and innovation performance. To complement studies that identify an organisation’s micro processes (i.e. employee behaviours as mediators between EO and innovation), this study highlights the need to examine macro processes occurring at the organisation level to account for the EO–innovation performance relationship.
Primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma: a rare case report
Authors: Wang Shu , Han Xu , Liu Shiyang , Xu Guangmeng , Li Jiannan
Published: December 2021

Primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma (PRPLS) is a rare malignant tumor with a low incidence. A 34-year-old female patient presented to our department with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting for 2 days. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) indicated a huge mass between the liver and kidney, with a clear boundary and measuring approximately 202 mm × 155 mm ×106 mm. The mass was considered a retroperitoneal lipoma or liposarcoma. The entire tumor was completely resected without auxiliary injury, and histopathology of the resected specimen indicated liposarcoma. The patient recovered well and was discharged from our department on the 6th postoperative day. No signs of relapse were seen during 1-year of follow-up. PRPLS is rare and without obvious symptoms in the early stage. CT plays a vital role in the diagnosis of PRPLS, and surgical resection is considered the most suitable treatment. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy might also be treatment options to improve the overall survival of PRPLS patients.
Unoccupied aerial vehicle-assisted monitoring of benthic vegetation in the coastal zone enhances the quality of ecological data
Authors: Svane Niels , Lange Troels , Egemose Sara , Dalby Oliver , Thomasberger Aris , Flindt Mogens R
Published: December 2021

Traditional monitoring (e.g., in-water based surveys) of eelgrass meadows and perennial macroalgae in coastal areas is time and labor intensive, requires extensive equipment, and the collected data has a low temporal resolution. Further, divers and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) have a low spatial extent that cover small fractions of full systems. The inherent heterogeneity of eelgrass meadows and macroalgae assemblages in these coastal systems makes interpolation and extrapolation of observations complicated and, as such, methods to collect data on larger spatial scales whilst retaining high spatial resolution is required to guide management. Recently, the utilization of Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has gained popularity in ecological sciences due to their ability to rapidly collect large amounts of area-based and georeferenced data, making it possible to monitor the spatial extent and status of SAV communities with limited equipment requirements compared to ROVs or diver surveys. This paper is focused on the increased value provided by UAV-based, data collection (visual/Red Green Blue imagery) and Object Based Image Analysis for gaining an improved understanding of eelgrass recovery. It is demonstrated that delineation and classification of two species of SAV ( Fucus vesiculosus and Zostera marina) is possible; with an error matrix indicating 86–92% accuracy. Classified maps also highlighted the increasing biomass and areal coverage of F. vesiculosus as a potential stressor to eelgrass meadows. Further, authors derive a statistically significant conversion of percentage cover to biomass ( R2 = 0.96 for Fucus vesiculosus, R2 = 0.89 for Zostera marina total biomass, and R2 = 0.94 for AGB alone, p < 0.001). Results here provide an example of mapping cover and biomass of SAV and provide a tool to undertake spatio-temporal analyses to enhance the understanding of eelgrass ecosystem dynamics.
Headache provocation by nitric oxide in men who have never experienced a headache
Authors: Olofsson Isa Amalie , Falkenberg Katrine , Olesen Jes , Hansen Thomas Folkmann
Published: December 2021

Introduction

In the general population 4% have never experienced a headache. Freedom from headache could be due to distinctive protective mechanisms or a lack of environmental risk factors for headache. Isosorbide-5-mononitrate is an organic nitrate which in the body is metabolised to nitric oxide. The nitric oxide pathway plays a crucial role in the primary headaches. We hypothesized that people who are free from headache are protected by distinctive mechanisms in the nitric oxide pathway.

Methods

We performed an observer blinded case-control study using nitric oxide to provoke a headache. 32 headache free male participants and 26 randomly selected male controls received 60 mg Isosorbide-5-mononitrate orally on the study day. Participants fill out a headache diary with headache intensity and characteristics until 12 hours after administration of Isosorbide-5-mononitrate. Primary endpoint were areas under the curve of headache intensity score.

Results

All 58 participants completed the study. There was no significant difference in headache incidence, headache intensity score or migraine-like attack between headache free participants and controls.

Conclusion

We show that men who have never experienced a headache develop a headache when provoked with Isosorbide-5-mononitrate. This indicates that freedom from headache in men is not related to the nitric oxide pathway which is involved in the primary headache disorders.
Management of complex ischial-urethral fistula in neurogenic patients performing clean intermittent self-catheterization
Authors: Ammirati Enrico , Geretto Paolo , Giammò Alessandro , Falcone Marco , Gontero Paolo , Manassero Alberto
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Neurogenic patients performing clean-intermittent self-catheterization (CIC) may develop an urethral erosion, resulting in ischial-urethral fistulas (I-UF). In this work we present our single-center experience in dealing with this peculiar complication.

Methods:

In this work we included all neurogenic patients performing CIC treated at out Institution for I-UF. All patients had a spinal cord injury or myelomeningocele. We extracted from the patients’ medical records the surgical management and postoperative clinical data. We defined failure the persistence of the fistula at X-ray contrast fistulography, retrograde urethrography, or uretrocystoscopy.

Results:

We treated 11 patients (8 spinal cord injury, 3 myelomeningocele). Four patients have been treated with the placement of a new generation urethral stent (Uventa) after surgical toilette of the skin ulcer and placement of a temporary suprapubic catheter. All patients demonstrated a complete healing of the urethral lesion at stent removal and continued CIC without any difficulty. Four patients have been treated with perineal urethroplasty, requiring a buccal mucosal graft in two cases. In two patients a suprapubic permanent catheter was placed for a simpler bladder management due to the patients’ comorbidities. In one case the incidental finding of an high grade muscle invasive urothelial bladder cancer, made it mandatory to perform an uretheroileocutaneostomy.

Conclusions:

This work represent a unique series of I-UF in neurogenic patients performing CIC. Surgical urethral reconstruction, often with the use of buccal mucosa in large lesions, may be a difficult solution in neurogenic patients, new generation stents (Uventa) represent a minimally invasive, effective, and safe alternative.
Crimean port-cities and their hinterland connections: The dynamics of change, 1800–1917
Authors: Sydorenko Anna
Published: December 2021

This article examines the relationships between the three Crimean port-cities of Sevastopol, Theodosia and Evpatoria and their hinterlands, which were defined by the grain export trade. The second half of the nineteenth century was marked by the transformation of the southern region of the Russian Empire into the granary of Europe. Port-cities became dynamic nodes, connecting cereal production in the hinterland of southern Russian and the Mediterranean maritime distribution networks in the Mediterranean. Based mainly on primary Russian and Ukrainian archival sources, this article shows and examines how the development of the Crimean port-cities was determined by connections between ports and their respective hinterlands, the types of commodities exchanged and a variety of internal and external political and economic factors.
Process Evaluation in Health Communication Media Campaigns: A Systematic Review
Authors: Getachew-Smith Hannah , King Andy J. , Marshall Charlotte , Scherr Courtney L.
Published: December 2021

Objective. The objective is to examine the scope of health communication media campaign process evaluation methods, findings, and dissemination practices. Data Source. A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted using database searches. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria. Published studies on process and implementation evaluation of health campaigns with a media component were included. Exclusion criteria included not health, non-empirical, no media campaign, or a focus on other evaluation types. Data Extraction. Articles were assessed for general campaign information, theory use, and details about process evaluation plan and procedures. Data Synthesis. A coding scheme based on 9 process evaluation best practice elements (e.g., fidelity and context) was applied. Process evaluation methods, measures, and reporting themes were synthesized. Results. Among 691 unique records, 46 articles were included. Process evaluation was the main focus for 71.7% of articles, yet only 39.1% reported how process evaluation informed campaign implementation strategy. Articles reported 4.39 elements on average ( SD = 1.99; range 1–9), with reach (87.0%) and recruitment (73.9%) described most frequently, yet reporting was inconsistent. Further, the level of detail in reporting methods, theory, and analysis varied. Conclusions. Process evaluation provides insight about mechanisms and intervening variables that could meaningfully impact interpretations of outcome evaluations; however, process evaluations are less often included in literature. Recommendations for evidence-based process evaluation components to guide evaluation are discussed.
Design and research of 2D piston pumps with a stacked cone roller set
Authors: Wang Heyuan , Ding Chuan , Huang Yu , Li Sheng , Ruan Jian
Published: December 2021

A new type of two-dimensional (2D) piston pump with a stacked cone roller set was introduced to eliminate the influence of the gap between the guiding rail and the cone roller. First, the structure and working principle of the 2D piston pump were studied; then, a corresponding mathematical model which considered the oil viscosity and oil churning loss caused by the rotation of the guiding rail in the enclosed chamber was established to examine the volumetric and mechanical efficiency of the 2D piston pump. The effects of different speeds, load pressures, and rolling friction coefficients between the guiding rail and the cone rollers on the efficiency were considered. During the test, when the speed was 6000 r/min and the load pressure was 6 MPa and 8 MPa, the volumetric efficiency reached 98.3% and 96.8%, respectively, basically consistent with the theoretical analysis. Because the temperature rise of the tested pump caused the oil viscosity and the eccentricity of the piston and piston rings increased the leakage, the test result was slightly lower than that of the theoretical analysis. When the speed was 1000 r/min and the load pressure was 5 MPa, the mechanical efficiency was 69.3%, and the mechanical efficiency model was consistent with the test results. However, with the increase in speed and load pressure, the difference between the test results and theoretical analysis results increased because the supporting force of the cone roller on the guiding rail increased, increasing the rolling frictional losses.
Fault severity classification of ball bearing using SinGAN and deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Akhenia P , Bhavsar K , Panchal J , Vakharia V
Published: December 2021

Condition monitoring and diagnosis of a bearing are very important for any rotating machine as it governs the safety while the machine is in operating condition. To construct a feature vector selection of suitable signal processing techniques is a challenge for vibration-based condition monitoring techniques. In the methodology proposed, Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT), Walsh Hadamard Transform (WHT) and Variable Mode Decomposition (VMD) are used to generate 2-D time-frequency spectrograms from the various fault conditions of bearing. When Deep learning techniques apply for fault diagnosis, a large amount of dataset is required for training of machine learning model. To overcome this issue single image Generative Adversarial Network (SinGAN) as a data augmentation technique, utilized for generating additional 2-D time-frequency spectrograms from various fault conditions of ball bearing. To detect fault severity, four deep learning algorithms, ResNet 34, ResNet50, VGG16, and MobileNetV2 are used as a classifier. Experiments are conducted on a rolling bearing dataset provided by the bearing data center of Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) for validating the utility of methodology proposed. Results show that the proposed methodology enables to detect fault severity level with high classification accuracy.
Experimental research on the muzzle response characteristics of small unmanned ground vehicles with small arms
Authors: Ding Yugang , Zhou Kedong , He Lei , Yang Haomin
Published: December 2021

The muzzle response is the main feature affecting the firing accuracy of weapons. To research the muzzle response characteristics of small unmanned ground vehicles with small arms (SUGVsSA) during shooting, this paper designs a test method that combines an inertial measurement system (IMS) with a high-speed photogrammetric system (HSPS) to measure the muzzle response. That is, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) is fixed onto the gun body to record the three-dimensional angular motion of the barrel; meanwhile, a high-speed camera is used to capture the characteristic markers of the unmanned ground vehicle from the side. After data processing, the muzzle response curves during four consecutive firings when the vehicle is running at different speeds and firing angles are obtained. Considering the presence of noise in muzzle response signals, the wavelet threshold de-noising (WTD) algorithm based on a novel variable threshold function is used to de-noise the test signal. The processing results demonstrate that the WTD algorithm based on the novel variable threshold function can not only suppress noise in the muzzle response signal but also retain the local details of the signal. The combination of the IMS and HSPS complements the muzzle response data and can comprehensively and accurately reflect the muzzle response characteristics of SUGVsSA. As the vehicle speed and firing angle increase, the muzzle vibration intensifies, only when the vehicle speed is 0.3 m/s, and the muzzle maximum elevation angle displacement after each firing decreases when it is stationary. The results presented in this paper may provide a workable reference for understanding the muzzle response characteristics of SUGVsSA and evaluating the firearm compatibility of other unmanned systems.
Investigation of the axial force on a varying-speed centrifugal pump impeller
Authors: Jin Faye , Tao Ran , Wei Zhicong , Wu Yanzhao , Xiao Ruofu
Published: December 2021

Centrifugal impeller has high efficiency but obvious axial force problems because of the axial-to-radial flow direction change. It is easy to cause the over loading of thrust bearing and damage shaft system. Especially in varying-speed centrifugal pumps, the mechanism, characteristics, and influence of impeller axial force is complex. Therefore, experimental and numerical studies are conducted to resolve these problems in this case. The impeller axial force is comparatively investigated by analyzing zonal components, visualizing internal flow, and resolving pressure attenuation law in clearances. This study provides a new test scheme based on force sensors for measuring the impeller axial force. The results show that the variation tendency of impeller axial force is similar to that of pump head. Flow patterns show that streamline-rotation angle decreases with the increase of flow rate in clearances. As the key factor affecting impeller axial force, the static pressure distribution in the clearances can be divided into specific variation stages to specify the mechanism. Specially in this varying-speed case, the blade axial force shifts from positive to negative with the decrease of rotation speed from high to low. This study provides a good reference for solving the axial force problems for centrifugal pumps.
Stability analysis of the anti-lock braking system with time delay
Authors: Ye Qing , Chaojun Gao , Wang Ruochen , Zhang Chi , Cai Yinfeng
Published: December 2021

A time delay exists between driver input and vehicle braking state response during the working process of the anti-lock braking system (ABS), and the braking performance of vehicles will be further reduced due to the delay of controllers. This paper investigates a systematic method of stability analysis for time delay ABS, and the analysis focuses on the stability and critical delay algorithm of ABS with delay time. Firstly, the dynamic structure and modelling process of ABS are briefly introduced, and PD control algorithm is adopted to improve the control performance. Then, dynamic models of ABS with time delay are derived, and the full delay stability interval and critical time delay algorithm of ABS are deduced by using the generalized Sturm criterion method. Finally, the validity of the critical delay algorithm by the proposed method and the stability and accuracy of ABS with time delay, different road conditions, vehicle speeds and control parameters are illustrated by numerical simulations, and the results show that the critical time delay algorithm of ABS can be verified under different conditions.
Allowing for stratification in sample size planning of two-arm trials with continuous or binary outcome: Overview and tutorial
Authors: Wellek Stefan
Published: December 2021

More often than not, clinical trials and even nonclinical medical experiments have to be run with observational units sampled from populations to be assumed heterogeneous with respect to covariates associated with the outcome. Relevant covariates which are known prior to randomization are usually categorical in type, and the corresponding subpopulations are called strata. In contrast to randomization which in most cases is performed in a way ensuring approximately constant sample size ratios across the strata, sample size planning is rarely done taking stratification into account. This holds true although the statistical literature provides a reasonably rich repertoire of testing procedures for stratified comparisons between two treatments in a parallel group design. For all of them, at least approximate methods of power calculation are available from which algorithms or even closed-form formulae for required sample sizes can be derived. The objective of this tutorial is to give a systematic review of the most frequently applicable of these methods and to compare them in terms of their efficiency under standard settings. Based on the results, recommendations for the sample size planning of stratified two-arm trials are given.
Liberalising Health-seeking Behaviour of the Johanne Marange Apostolic Sect in Manicaland, Zimbabwe
Authors: Masvaure Steven
Published: December 2021

Religious rights as enshrined in the Zimbabwean constitution are sacrosanct, however, when church doctrine bars followers from seeking modern medical care, they start infringing on health rights especially of the ‘lesser beings’ the women and children who are members of these religious sects. The ‘lesser beings’ are bearing the brunt of high maternal and neonatal mortality as they depend on unsafe traditional birth attendants and unconventional medicine. This study is ethnographic and presents lessons learnt from a programme aiming to improve maternal, newborn and child health outcomes among the Apostolic Church of Johanne Marange members in Manicaland province, Zimbabwe. The findings show that despite the stringent doctrine and barriers placed on apostolic members who want to access conventional medicine, the women and children are using clandestine approaches to circumvent the doctrine and barriers. This article argues that a barrage of unconventional and conventional approaches can lead to changes in health-seeking behaviour of the apostolic church and ultimately maternal and child health outcomes. The article argues that the intransigence of the apostolic can only be overcome by covert approaches to providing health services and save lives.
(Not) being granted the right to belong—Amateur football clubs in Germany
Authors: Nobis Tina , Gomez-Gonzalez Carlos , Nesseler Cornel , Dietl Helmut
Published: December 2021

Empirical studies show that first- and second-generation immigrants are less likely to be members of sports clubs than their non-immigrant peers. Common explanations are cultural differences and socioeconomic disadvantages. However, lower participation rates in amateur sport could be at least partly due to ethnic discrimination. Are minority ethnic groups granted the same right to belong as their non-immigrant peers? To answer this question, this paper uses publicly available data from a field experiment in which mock applications were sent out to over 1,600 football clubs in Germany. Having a foreign-sounding name significantly reduces the likelihood of being invited to participate. The paper concludes that amateur football clubs are not as permeable as they are often perceived to be. It claims that traditional explanations for lower participation rates of immigrants need to be revisited.
Guidance for Best Practices in Participatory Design Involving People with Visual Impairment
Authors: Kim Hyung Nam
Published: December 2021

Today, a great number of people with visual impairment take advantage of mainstream technology via assistive technology. User involvement in the systems development life cycle contributes to addressing user needs accurately. This article presents practical strategies to facilitate participatory design approaches involving users with visual impairment. Both researchers and professional designers will benefit these practical strategies by using them as action checklists for preparing, conducting, and concluding a participatory design session ethically and responsibly.
Plasma levels of sirtuin and adiponectin in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, exfoliative glaucoma, and healthy controls
Authors: Yucel Gencoglu Aysun , Irkec Murat , Kocabeyoglu Sibel , Dikmen Z. Gunnur , Karakaya Jale , Konstas Anastasios G.P.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To compare plasma levels of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and adiponectin (APN) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), exfoliative glaucoma (XFG), and healthy control subjects.

Methods

This prospective case-control study collected plasma samples from 118 participants. All subjects underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination before the acquisition of a plasma sample. Plasma samples were obtained from 40 POAG, 38 XFG, and 40 healthy control subjects without any evidence of systemic or ocular disease. Serum SIRT1 and APN levels were estimated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA (Elabscience, Houston, USA) method. Statistical analysis of results relied on Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square, analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests, and linear regression analysis, where appropriate.

Results

A significant decrease in SIRT1 levels was observed in POAG patients compared to healthy controls (p = 0.004, Dunn's test). In contrast, no difference was detected between XFG and POAG patients or healthy controls (p = 0.32 and p = 0.34, respectively, Dunn's test). There was no significant difference in plasma APN levels between the three groups under investigation (p = 0.59, ANOVA).

Conclusion

Alterations in serum level of SIRT1 may suggest a possible role in POAG via potential effects in neuroprotection and oxidative stress.
Locating oneself and talking past: Journalists’ engagement with Pacific communities on Twitter
Authors: Ross Tara
Published: December 2021

This article explores how journalists navigate the tensions between community engagement and professional detachment by tracing how journalists used Twitter during Tonga and Australia's inaugural rugby league test match in 2018. As a high-profile Pacific cultural and sporting event, it provides an opportunity to study how journalists engage with marginalised Pacific communities, and whether that engagement demonstrates the reciprocity needed to build relationships. More than 9000 tweets were analysed using quantitative and qualitative methods to reveal that media organisations and journalists tended more towards broadcasting than interactive approaches on Twitter. Practices differed between subgroups, however: Individual journalists engaged in public discussion more than media organisations, and Pacific journalists engaged more than non-Pacific journalists. In fact, Pacific journalists’ identity work – performed through specific discourses, including emojis – demonstrated a less detached journalism than did non-Pacific journalists, who appeared to talk past the Pacific communities in this Twitter public.
YouTube as my space: The relationships between YouTube, social connectedness, and (collective) self-esteem among LGBTQ individuals
Authors: Bond Bradley J. , Miller Brandon
Published: December 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate YouTube as a venue for social connection among LGBTQ individuals ( N = 428). Exposure to LGBTQ YouTubers positively contributed to self-esteem and collective self-esteem (specific to the LGBTQ community). Social connectedness mediated the relationship between exposure to LGBTQ YouTubers and self-esteem, which was moderated by social support and outness. Viewing LGBTQ YouTubers was positively related to social connectedness among participants open about their LGBTQ identities and who reported the lowest social support, but negatively related to social connectedness among those concealing their LGBTQ identities and who reported very strong social support. Open-ended data suggest that entertainment and social connection were the primary motivations for viewing YouTube videos. Results are discussed in terms of minority stress, and the value of social media platforms for social connection with like-others among marginalized populations.
Mouldability analysis and impact performance of 3D aramid angle-interlock fabric panels for ballistic helmets
Authors: Yang Mengqi , Chen Xiaogang
Published: December 2021

Modern ballistic helmets made from textile composites offer enhanced protection with lightweight, but the discontinuity of the reinforcing materials is a potential problem affecting the helmet performance. This work uses 3D angle-interlock fabrics to provide reinforcement continuity, and evaluates 3D through-the-thickness angle-interlock (TTAI) fabrics to study the influence of fabric structural parameters on fabric mouldabilty and ballistic performance for ballistic helmet application. The mouldability was measured through experiments and modelled numerically, and the ballistic impact test was carried out to identify the optimal fabric structures for constructing ballistic helmet shells. The results show that increase in weft density of the TTAI fabrics causes decrease in the mouldability of the TTAI fabrics, and that the addition of wadding yarns into the TTAI fabrics has little influence on fabric mouldability compared to the conventional TTAI fabrics with the same weft density. However, the involvement of wadded TTAI fabrics demonstrates a 34% increase in ballistic energy absorption and 3% higher estimated ballistic limit over the conventional counterpart. Taking both mouldability and ballistic protection into account, the wadded TTAI fabric structure is an effective continuous reinforcement for ballistic helmet shells, offering required mouldability and improved ballistic performance.
Remaining Question: Does Exercise Improve Healing of Diabetic Foot Ulcers?
Authors: Brousseau-Foley Magali , Blanchette Virginie
Published: December 2021

Even though it is reasonable to think that exercise is beneficial to diabetic foot ulcer healing, there are currently no exercise recommendations for this population. A systematic review published recently attempted to answer this question. However, because of both the scarce and heterogenous literature on the subject identified by the selected study design and the chosen quality appraisal tool that is too permissive and overestimates the treatment effects, no clinical recommendations can be drawn from this review. We advocate for research on this topic in order to obtain more direct evidence that exercise benefits wound healing, and to close the persistent gap of knowledge regarding the impact of exercise on diabetic foot ulcer wound healing.
Development of a Duplex Ultrasound Protocol for Baseline and Follow-Up Imaging of a Branched Aortic Endoprosthesis
Authors: Mitchell Carol , Matsumura Jon S. , Meadows Wendy , Farber Mark A. , Oderich Gustavo S. , Macedo Thanila
Published: December 2021

Branched endoprostheses for endovascular repair of pararenal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms are undergoing evaluation in prospective clinical trials. Duplex ultrasound has been a cornerstone of surveillance for vascular reconstructions. This paper describes the development and deployment of a standardized duplex imaging protocol to evaluate individuals who have undergone endovascular repair of their thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Ultrasound imaging is performed after an 8 to 12 hour fast to minimize the presence of bowel gas and allow for optimal imaging of abdominal vascular structures. Doppler measurements of peak systolic and end diastolic velocity are made at specific arterial segments in the aorta and the celiac, superior mesenteric, and renal arteries. Resistive indices are also recorded in the segmental and arcuate arteries of both kidneys. Pulsed-wave Doppler is used to record spectral Doppler data and color Doppler is used to image all arterial segments and ensure proper placement of the Doppler sample volume and ensure correct angle of interrogation. Implementation of a standardized duplex ultrasound imaging protocol can be used to image and follow individuals who have received the Thoracoabdominal Branch Endoprosthesis (TAMBE) device and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (BEVAR). Ultrasound may provide complementary findings and may add information to the computed tomography angiography imaging for following these individuals.
Confronting US imperialism with international law. Central America and the arms trade of the inter-war period
Authors: Stahl Daniel
Published: December 2021

This article analyses attempts to regulate the access to arms in Central America from the beginning of the World War I to the end of the 1920s. During these years, the USA was not only the politically and economically dominant force in the region – they were also the main provider of weapons. In a region where societies were reshaped by the integration into a global economy, political groups depended on the access to weapons to enforce their claims for power. This gave the US government the possibility to use arms exports as well as arms embargos to shape politics in the region. Within this setting, arms control through international law became a contested subject. The First World War boosted international debates about disarmament. The Wilson administration joined these debates with proposals, which would have enabled Washington to better control the flow of arms into the Western Hemisphere. Central American governments, on the other hand, joined disarmament negotiations in Geneva to shape international law in a way to restrict Washington’s influence in the region and to ensure equal treatment at the international level. The impact of this conflict was not limited to the Western Hemisphere, and it left its imprint on European disarmament policies. Thus, this article reveals how international arms control was inscribed at the same time in imperial and anti-imperial agendas in a region with formally sovereign states.