bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convolutional Kernel‐based covariance descriptor for classification of polarimetric synthetic aperture radar images
Authors: Imani Maryam
Published: November 2021

There are two types of important information in a polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) image: spatial features in two dimensions and polarimetric characteristics in the scattering dimension. Considering both polarimetric and spatial information is important for PolSAR image classification. Convolutional kernels show superior performance for extraction of spatial information from two dimensions of an image in convolutional neural networks (CNNs). But learning CNNs needs large enough training sets to achieve the optimum weights of kernels while there are not usually sufficient training samples for PolSAR images. To deal with this difficulty, a convolutional kernel‐based covariance descriptor (CKCD) is introduced for PolSAR image classification in this study. To extract contextual characteristics, compatible with the original image, the fixed‐valued convolutional kernels randomly selected from the image are used, which do not require any learning, and so do not need any training samples. To include more local spatial information and find the relation among the polarimetric features, the covariance descriptor is constructed on the extracted feature maps. Then, the polarimetric‐contextual features are given to a support vector machine with a matrix logarithm‐based kernel. Finally, the guided filter is applied to the initial classification map to result a smoothed classification map with preserved edges. The experiments on three real PolSAR images show superiority of the proposed CKCD method compared to several PolSAR classification methods such as 2DCNN and 3DCNN in small sample size situations.
Digital Grids beyond Smart Grids challenges to make future electric grids stable and resilient
Authors: Domínguez-García Jose Luis
Published: November 2021

Novel technologies are changing our understanding of the electrical grid. These novel concepts, including power electronics, energy storage, ICT and renewable energy make the electrical grid highly controllable but at the same time also vulnerable. The future grid will introduce novel dynamics, stability challenges and security issues to be handled.
An accurate lumped convective plus radiative heat exchanger model for performance-based modelling
Authors: Fuls Wim
Published: November 2021

There are several thermo-fluid process modelling tools available on the market which can be used to analyze the off-design performance of thermal plants. These tools all offer the user with a simple convective heat exchanger component that requires the design-base process conditions as inputs. The tools would then calculate an effective overall heat transfer factor (UA) and make use of gas flow mass ratios to scale the UA value for off-design conditions. The models employed in these tools assume that the contribution of gas radiation is insignificant, hence only applies convection scaling laws. This paper presents an improved model which considers the contribution of the gas and particle radiation, as is often encountered in the first few heaters in coal fired boilers and heat recovery steam generators. A more fundamental scaling law is applied for the convection scaling and incorporates a cleanliness factor which allows for the consideration of fouling of the heater surfaces. The model’s performance was validated against a discretized tube-level heater model that solves the fundamental convection and radiation terms. The model is accurate within 1% for the cases considered, as compared to more than 20% error if radiation contribution is not considered.
Aerodynamic Effect of Wheel Fairings on the Wake of a Formula One Car
Authors: Davkin Liam , Law Craig
Published: November 2021

The open-wheeled configuration of Formula One cars has been known to create unfavourable aerodynamic conditions for overtaking during races. New aerodynamics regulations are set to come into effect by the 2022 season. Early concepts suggested that covering the wheels of a car are amongst the aerodynamic design changes to be implemented. This is in contrast to the traditional open-wheeled configuration. This study aims to evaluate the effect that these fairings have on the behaviour of the wake behind the car. This has been achieved through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies which surveyed the flow in the wake, that determined any changes that are added by these fairings. The fairings were found to have altered the structure of the wake, by changing the size of the regions of low-speed airflow at different positions behind the car.
Train Wheels Eigenmodes on Effects of Vibration and Track Deterioration in the Belfast to Steelpoort Railway Line
Authors: Balekwa Bingo , Von Kallon Daramy Vandi
Published: November 2021

In South Africa, one of the main lines situated in its Limpopo Province presents symptoms of excessive vehicle-track vibrations. A modal method is adopted to study the difference in dynamic response of corrugated rails resting on the Hytrel/6385 and High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) rail pads. The results for dynamic response of rails on these two types of rail pads are analysed in form of Frequency Response Functions (FRFs). Two positions are considered in obtaining these point FRFs; those are mid-span and on top of sleeper. Resonance modes of significance are excited in a frequency range of 0 – 500Hz on rails resting on both types of rail pads. In view of the entire vibration response window, the FRFs show a more damped vibration response by rail resting on the HDPE than that resting on the Hytrel/6358 rail pad. A Finite Element (FE) modal analysis method is used to investigate vibration mode shapes and corresponding frequencies of the wheelset used by the locomotive operating in the line. In the high frequency range of 350 – 500Hz, the gear-side wheel of a locomotive wheelset proves to be vibrating more erratically than the non-gear side wheel. Clearly pronounced mode shape excited at a frequency of 350Hz and higher are presented.
Computational Investigation of Multiple Oscillating Hydrofoils and its Effect on Thrust Augmentation
Authors: Krige Uma , Lua Kim Boon , Ho Wei Hua
Published: November 2021

Previous investigations of flapping hydrofoils for the purpose of thrust production have been limited to one or two in tandem. Tandem foils were found to have superior performance because the performance of the aft foil was augmented by the vortices shed from the fore foil. It is however not clear if increasing the number of foils will continue to have increased performance or if there exist an optimal number after which the overall performance either stagnates or reduces. A 2D computational study was conducted to investigate the effect of increasing the number of hydrofoils to four at a Reynolds number of 8000 flapping in-phase and out-of-phase. Optimal and sub-optimal conditions found previously with tandem hydrofoils were found also be applicable to three and four hydrofoils.
Experimental Testing on an Air-Cooled Condenser Motor, Gearbox and Fan
Authors: van Rensburg C.J. , Venter M.P. , Els D.N.J.
Published: November 2021

The majority of South Africa’s electricity is generated from coal-fired power stations. After expansion through the turbine stage the heated steam is condensed by air-cooled condensors (ACCs). In water scarce areas air-cooled condensers are used to reject heat by means of convection through an array of fans that force air over the heated steam tubes positioned in a A-frame structure above the fan. The ACC system consists of an induction motor, two-stage gear reducer and an axial fan. For this research, the rotational velocity of the gearbox’s output shaft is measured as well as the bending and torsional strain experienced during different stages of operation. A proximity sensor and various sets of strain gauges are used to record the measurements respectively. Testing was conducted at three different sites that utilize different control methods for the induction motors. The purpose of testing at different sites was to evaluate the effectiveness of each start-up control system and its application inside an ACC. The results obtained in each of the three cases are quite clear that any motor controller is beneficial to the overall system simply due to the reduced inrush current and torque peaks.
Using Full Field Data to Produce a Single Indentation Test for Fully Characterising the Mooney Rivlin Material Model
Authors: Van Tonder John D. , Venter Martin P. , Venter Gerhard
Published: November 2021

A theoretical testing method for fully characterising the Mooney-Rivlin three-parameter hyper-elastic material model is proposed by capturing full-field digital image correlation (DIC) data, namely displacement field and indentation force data. A finite element model with known parameters will act as the experimental model against which all data will be referenced (a preliminary test case). Going forward this stand-in model will be replaced with physical test data. This paper also introduces a new concept, the concept of hyperplanes. These hyperplanes represent regions in the force and displacement field data where all the objective function values are equal. The paper concludes that the Mooney-Rivlin material model can theoretically be fully characterised in a single indentation test. By applying the methods discussed in the paper when using full-field data operating under the assumption of hyper-planes.
Development and validation of a dynamic model for a two-stage speed-reducer
Authors: Tutt Nicholas J. , Venter Martin P. , Els Daniel N.J.
Published: November 2021

This paper presents the development and validation of a six degree of freedom (DOF) dynamic model of a two-stage parallel shaft gearbox, without flaws, which is able to determine the reaction of gearbox components to varying torque inputs and loads. The model utilises flexible shafts and gears rather than using a rigid assumption, to further understand the effect of varying mesh stiffness. The paper replicates the results presented by Diehl and Tang, and improves the number of frequencies that can be analysed. The gear meshing frequencies were expected to dominate the result, however due to the use of a sinusoidal approximation of the varying tooth mesh frequency, the presented model shows the additional gear generated frequencies are present and analysable in the data.
Collision Prediction and Optimal Trajectory Generation for Collision Avoidance Systems in Trackless Mobile Machines
Authors: Declercq Jesse , Botha Theunis , Hamersma Herman A.
Published: November 2021

The continued high number of fatalities associated with Trackless Mobile Machines (TMMs) in South Africa have led to the introduction of Collision Avoidance System (CAS) regulations in the Mine Health and Safety Act in 2015. This has lead to the profusion of technologically-immature CASs from third-party vendors, all of which are centered on automatic stopping and braking systems. These braking systems often result in trivial or ineffective solutions, proving costly to mining operations. The combination of braking and steering control in CASs may substantially increase the solution space and provide far safer and more efficient manoeuvres. A recursive non-linear collision prediction estimator and optimal trajectory generation model was developed to evaluate the potential contribution of the addition of steering to CASs. Three independent optimal trajectory generation models are proposed to compete against one another in an attempt to synthesize the safest, most predictable, and efficient trajectory. A deep reinforcement learning, lattice optimization and Monte Carlo hyper sampling path planning model’s trajectories are evlauated using the Earth Moving Equipment Safety Round Table (EMESRT) interaction scenarios. Initial results indicate increased CAS solution spaces in collision-avoiding scenarios, providing safer and more effective solutions in high velocity vehicle interactions.
Modelling fluid and particulate flow through a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in a variable temperature environment
Authors: Ramokoka Tshiamo , Bhamjee Muaaz
Published: November 2021

One of the most prevalent causes of failure for a ventriculoperitoneal shunt is blockage, the other being infection. This study looks at the blockage of the shunt valve, and whether the occlusion of a shunt valve is accelerated by the presence of an infection. This study assumes that an infection will raise the number of white blood cells contained in the cerebrospinal fluid to fight it and will thus accelerate shunt occlusion. The experiment simulates a shunt system by suspending a shunt valve in a water bath that has a temperature that varies between 37°C and 41°C. A computational fluid dynamics model of the shunt system is used to gain further insight into the flow behaviour under these conditions. The results of the CFD model were validated using the experimental results. There was an average error of 15% between the readings that were obtained in the experiment and the CFD model. The experimental results showed that there was a decrease in the volume flow rate at the outlet of the shunt system, which was not large enough to point towards any blockage. Both the model predictions and the experimental results show that increased temperature and particulate concentration alone do not result in shunt occlusion, particularly at the shunt valve. This result effectively excluded the shunt valve as a region of shunt occlusion due to infection, as an infection occurs due to the growth of bacteria along the surfaces of the shunt system and this bacterial growth is more likely to occur at the proximal and distal ends of the shunt system.
Risk factors of the Volgograd labor market of university graduates
Authors: Vasilenko Inna Viktorovna , Belikova Ekaterina Olegovna , Sharipova Erkaiym Kozuyeva
Published: November 2021

This article deals with the problem of risk accumulation in the regional labor market of university graduates as a specific socio-demographic group. Risks are investigated on the basis of a synthetic concept that takes into account the mutual influence of subjective (personal) and objective (contextual) factors. The article aimed to study the risk factors of subjective and objective nature in the regional labor market of university graduates. The analysis of the available scientific experience has shown that there is no holistic concept of risks in the labor market of graduates, although there are works that study professional risks in the context of employment, analyzing the situation of young people in the labor market. Risk factors were investigated based on four characteristics describing the risk society: the uncertainty of the situation, uncertainty of the environment, unpredictability of the development trend, and inadequacy of personal resources. The inadequacy of resources is the level of theoretical and practical preparedness, the correspondence of the performed functions to the received specialty, and the desire to change jobs. The information was collected using an online questionnaire. The analysis of each characteristic of the regional labor market showed the presence of enlarged risk factors influencing the decision to choose a job: lack of information and knowledge about the situation in the labor market and insufficient professional potential of graduates, who are motivated only by a prestigious, well-paid job, rather than by creativity and self-realization in their profession.
Transformation of legal education in modern conditions
Authors: Bocharova Natalia Nikolaevna , Veretennikov Nikolai Viktorovich
Published: November 2021

The article examines the main trends in education, including legal education. The authors studied the Federal Law “On Education”, educational standards, and a number of industry laws; identified the positive and negative sides of digitalization of education, and also separately studied the impact of distance learning in the conditions of coronavirus restrictions as a side of digitalization. It is concluded that the transition to a new paradigm of education corresponds to the constitutional values of Russia. The competency-based approach creates prerequisites for the creative development of a person based on his/her activity and involvement in the learning process. Digitalization in education makes it possible to optimize and improve a number of educational procedures; however, as the authors showed in the study, it also has negative sides in legal education. The distance learning mode as part of digitalization also received a mixed assessment. The authors concluded that universities should carefully comprehend the experience of digitalization and distance learning in the conditions of coronavirus restrictions in order to eliminate problems and improve the educational process.
Education in Turkey in terms of gender asymmetry
Authors: Düzgün Fatih , Metresh Eda Havva Tan , Pozdnyakova Alina Aleksandrovna , Grafkova Tatiana Stanislavovna , Kalita Marina Evgenievna
Published: November 2021

The wide representation of women at different levels of the education system is not only an indicator of the prestige and status of the teaching profession, but also an important indicator of the socio-cultural and political development of society. The purpose of this article is to analyze the Turkish education system in terms of gender asymmetry. The research problems include: 1) the study of the historical reasons that led to the phenomena of gender asymmetry in certain “zones” and at certain levels of education; 2) the study of the motives for choosing a teaching profession by women of different age groups; 3) determination of the social profile of a Turkish female teacher; 4) the formation of recommendations for overcoming gender asymmetry in the field of Turkish education. Contrary to prejudice, Turkey is not a “gender bounded” country; moreover, its educational system is subject to problems common to the systems of most developed countries. The main ones are: 1) underrepresentation of female teachers in higher education (with a tendency to reduce the gender gap) and 2) underrepresentation of women in leadership positions. Despite the fact that all conditions have been created in Turkey for the professional development of a female teacher, the mentality of the average Turkish woman does not allow her to put her career interests above the interests of her family. This, in our opinion, largely explains the “restriction” of female education at the level of secondary specialized and insufficient “popularity” of higher education. For further study of the manifestations of gender asymmetry, a more detailed study of all stages of the Turkish education system is required, using data from different regions, in particular, from the southeast region. The situation there may differ significantly from the situation in the central regions, and the problem of adapting the education system to regional conditions will be extremely relevant.
Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty in Chronic Total Subclavian Venous Stenosis Using Coronary Guidewire: A Case Report
Authors: Silalahi Todung D. A. , Suwita Christopher S.
Published: November 2021

Arteriovenous fistula is the best permanent vascular access for hemodialysis (HD). However, in our country, HD catheter in jugular or subclavian vein is more commonly found because our patients prefer to hold HD until the complications are unbearable. The catheter increases risk of venous stenosis on site and in surrounding vessels, resulting in access loss. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), combined with stent deployment, can be utilized as main treatment for such stenosis in subclavian vein. This method dated back to two decades ago with high success rate. Nevertheless, reports or studies of angioplasty in total occlusion are scarce, mainly because of lower success rate and the need of smaller penetrating wire. We describe our experience in performing PTA and stent deployment using coronary wire to penetrate total occlusion in subclavian venous stenosis after vein cannulation. We hope that we can give an alternative technique to avoid surgery in such cases.
Effect of Rehabilitation with a New Ocular Prosthesis on Electromyography of the Occipitofrontalis, Temporal, Masseter, and Sternocleidomastoid
Authors: de Caxias Fernanda Pereira , Sa Teles Karen Letícia , dos Santos Daniela Micheline , de Moraes Melo Neto Clóvis Lamartine , da Silva Emily Vivianne Freitas , Goiato Marcelo Coelho , de Magalhães Bertoz André Pinheiro , Januzzi Marcella Santos , Helga Turcio Karina
Published: November 2021

Objectives The aim of this study was to verify during facial expressions (“happy,” “sad,” “fearful,” “angry,” “surprised,” and “disgusted”) if: (1) there would be difference in the electromyography (EMG) of the occipitofrontalis, temporal, masseter, and sternocleidomastoid muscles on the normal side (NS) compared with the affected side (AS) (without the use of an ocular prosthesis) in individuals with unilateral absence of the eyeball, and (2) the rehabilitation with a new ocular prosthesis would affect the EMG of the muscles studied on the AS in these individuals.

Materials and Methods Thirteen individuals, without temporomandibular disorder, with good health, with unilateral absence of the eyeball (the eye must have been removed by evisceration or enucleation), and users or nonusers of an ocular prosthesis were included. EMG of the occipitofrontalis, temporal, masseter, and sternocleidomastoid muscles was performed during rest and facial expressions (“happy,” “sad,” “fearful,” “angry,” “surprised,” and “disgusted”) before (T0) and 90 days after (T1) rehabilitation with a new ocular prosthesis. The analyses were performed in T0 on NS and AS (without the use of an ocular prosthesis), and in T1 on AS with the new ocular prosthesis.

Statistical Analysis All data were submitted to the Student's t-test with p < 0.05.

Results There was no statistically significant difference comparing the AS with the NS in T0 for all muscles studied, during all facial expressions evaluated (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference comparing the AS in T0 with itself in T1 for all muscles studied, during all facial expressions evaluated (p > 0.05).

Conclusion Eye loss did not affect the EMG of studied muscles when comparing NS with AS (without the use of an ocular prosthesis). The rehabilitation with ocular prosthesis was not capable of changing the EMG on AS.
Current Scope of Online Ophthalmology Education and Curriculum Impact Due to COVID-19
Authors: Lee Patrick S. Y. , Kemp Pavlina S. , Kelly Lisa D. , Rosenberg Jamie B. , Giaconi JoAnn A. , Graubart Emily B. , Knoch Daniel W. , Mirza Rukhsana G. , Sankar Prithvi S. , Goyal Anju
Published: November 2021

Objective Abrupt changes in ophthalmology education caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in novel online curriculum development. The aims of this study were to identify (1) the scope of online curricula implemented both prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) perception of educators on these online modalities; and (3) early lessons from online implementation that may guide future curricular planning.

Methods Implementation of online curricula was evaluated by using a national online survey of Ophthalmology Directors of Medical Student Education (DMSE) via Qualtrics software.

Participants Medical Student Educators of the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO) were surveyed.

Results Fifty responses were collected, representing a 64.9% response rate. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 44% of institutions had no online components in their courses, but 78.3% of institutions reported increasing online components in response to the pandemic. Required courses were significantly associated both with having implemented online components before the pandemic and implementing online-only versions of these courses in response to the pandemic. The three most popular modalities used for online teaching were lectures, interactive cases, and problem-based learning, with a median satisfaction of 4.0, 4.32, and 4.35, (out of five) respectively. The least popular modalities used were online teaching of physical exam skills and telemedicine, both with a median satisfaction of 2.5. Median overall educator satisfaction with online teaching was four (out of five). The most common weakness related to online teaching was the lack of effective physical exam skills training.

Conclusion Our data demonstrate that most institutions successfully shifted their ophthalmology curriculum to a virtual and online version in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. DMSEs adapted quickly, transitioning in-person clinical courses, and extracurricular activities to online formats. Overall, educator satisfaction with online curricula was high. Integration of online curricula provides the opportunity to enrich institutional curriculums and overcome limitations imposed by decreasing curriculum time. This study reveals an early window into the utilization, strengths, and weaknesses of online ophthalmology education, which can serve as a guiding point to enhance ophthalmology curriculum development.
Long-term Quality of Life after Fusion of the Ventral Thoracic and Lumbar Spine
Authors: Jäckle Katharina , Saul Dominik , Oberthür Swantje , Roch Paul Jonathan , Sehmisch Stephan , Lehmann Wolfgang , Weiser Lukas
Published: November 2021

Background Cage implantations and autologous pelvic bone grafts are common surgical procedures to fuse the spine in cases of spinal disorders such as traumatic fractures or degenerative diseases. These surgical methods are designed to stably readjust the spine and to prevent late detrimental effects such as pain or increasing kyphosis. Benefits of these surgical interventions have been evaluated, but the long-term well-being of patients after the respective treatments has not yet been examined. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical outcome for patients who received iliac crest or cage implantations.

Material and Methods Forty-six patients with traumatic fractures after they obtained an anterior fusion in the thoracic or lumbar spine (12 cages; mean age: 54.08 years; 34 pelvic bone grafts; mean age: 42.18 years) were asked to participate in the survey using a precast questionnaire according the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Spine Score. Twenty-nine of them provided the data requested.

Results Evaluation of the VAS scores of the patients, reporting at least 1 year after the surgery, revealed that cage implantations led to significantly better results with respect to all aspects of their daily life such as pain sensing, capability to undertake physical activities and exercise as compared with patients with autologous pelvic bone graft. Patients with autologous pelvic bone graft treatment reported a particularly poor overall satisfaction level concerning their long-term well-being.

Conclusions Patients with cage implantation reported a higher degree of long-term well-being. The data provide evidence for a positive impact on the postsurgery quality of life after cage implantation.
Hostel Residents' Knowledge on Feminine Hygiene—Effect of Information Booklet
Authors: Alva Jeevitha , Kannappan Sujatha R. , Joseph Gincy , Upashe Shivaleela
Published: November 2021

Purpose of the Study Adolescence is the transformational period of life from childhood to adulthood. Pubertal changes influence the functioning of the reproductory tract of adolescent girls. At this stage, adequate knowledge of feminine hygiene becomes vital in the prevention of urinary tract infection; if not treated, it may cause various complications in the future. Hence, every adolescent girl needs to be educated on the importance of maintaining femininity.

Methods A quantitative research methodology was adopted, with a one-group pre- and posttest design. A random sampling procedure was used to find 100 samples that met the inclusion criteria. A structured knowledge questionnaire was used to get the essential data. Following the pretest, an information brochure on feminine hygiene was distributed. After 7 days, a posttest was conducted.

Results The acquired data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Around 72% of the participants were under the age of 18. Thirty percent of them did not receive any feminine hygiene information. The mean posttest knowledge score of 16.54 is higher than the pretest knowledge score of 14.31, indicating that understanding of feminine hygiene has improved.

Conclusion In the pretest, 39% of hostel residents had poor awareness of feminine hygiene, indicating a need for instruction. The difference in knowledge score between pre- and posttest knowledge demonstrates the usefulness of the information booklet in enhancing feminine hygiene knowledge.
Hip Profile in World Elite Junior Badminton Players: Impingement and Range of Motion Data from the World Junior Badminton Championship 2018
Authors: Kaldau Niels Christian , Kerr Stewart , McCaig Steve , Hölmich Per
Published: November 2021

Badminton is played with repetitive high loading to the hip with lunging and jumps. In sports like soccer there is a high prevalence of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome in youth populations which may predispose them to osteoarthritis (OA). Internal rotation deficit in the hip of football players is a predictor of hip and groin pain and differences in the range of motion (ROM) of the hip between sex and different ethnicities exist. Early hip replacements in former elite badminton players due to OA seem to be a problem. There are no published values for ROM and impingement of the hip in badminton. The purpose is to report ROM and impingement of the hip in elite junior badminton players and to report any differences between sex and ethnicities. Players at the World Junior Championship 2018 were examined for hip flexion, rotation, and impingement test. Injury history was obtained from a questionnaire. Two hundred and eighty-four players of 433 aged 16 to 18 years were examined. One hundred and forty-three players answered the questionnaire. Females demonstrated greater hip ROM than males. In the dominant side hip flexion was (137.7 degrees [ ± 9.1] vs. 132.2 degrees [ ± 11.1], p < 0.001), internal rotation range of motion or IROM (60.0 degrees [ ± 10.9] vs. 49 degrees [ ± 11.1], p < 0.001) and external rotation range of motion or EROM (57.9 degrees [ ± 9.9] vs. 54.7 degrees [ ± 8.9], 0.004). Hip flexion was higher in Asian players compared with non-Asian players (139.1 degrees [ ± 8.4] vs. 130.3 degrees [ ± 10.7], p < 0.001). One hundred (35%) players had at least one positive impingement test. A possible relationship between a positive FADIR and a decrease in hip flexion was found in the dominant hip, OR 1.06 (1.02–1.11) p = 0.005. A total of 104 previous injuries lasting over 30 days were reported with five hip-related injuries. No correlation between injury and examinations was found. Females and Asians demonstrated higher ROM in the hip than males and non-Asians. Impingement of the hip is frequent and may be related to low hip flexion.
Influence of Bone Quality on the Use of Implant Prostheses with Intermediate Pontic: Three-dimensional Finite Element Method
Authors: Toniollo Marcelo Bighetti , Terada Andrea Sayuri Silveira Dias , Melo Jair Pereira de , Costa Cláudio Rodrigues Rezende , Souza Diogo Henrique Vaz de
Published: November 2021

Objective The present study aimed to observe the differences in the dissipation of the main minimum stresses with the use of a fixed pontic partial prosthesis supported by two regular length implants in cortical and medullary bone tissues of different qualities.

Materials and Methods Experimental groups were as follows: QI (two regular length implants with fixed pontic partial prosthesis and bony qualities consistent with type I), QII (identical to QI, with bony qualities consistent with type II), and QIII (identical to QI, with bony qualities consistent with type III). All the groups were developed and analyzed in virtual simulation environment using AnsysWorkbench software.

Results The results showed highest stress concentrations in the region of the turns of the implants, especially in the apical region surrounding the implants and most notably in those positioned in the posterior region, supporting the molars. In addition, comparing the cortical bone among the groups, the results revealed increasing levels of stress in the order of QI, QII, and QIII. Comparing the medullary bone among the groups, the results revealed increasing levels of stress in the order of QIII, QII, and QI.

Conclusion It was concluded that greater stress disparity occurred in the comparison between groups QI and QIII. There was a higher TMiP in QI in the cortical bone, but considering the literature values, it would not pose risks to its physiological limits. The use of a pontic fixed partial prosthesis on two regular implants of type III bone quality may cause unfavorable physiological repercussions for the posterior implant apical medullary bone.
Intentional Ecology: Integrating environmental expertise through a focus on values, care and advocacy
Authors: Knight Alexandra R. , Allan Catherine
Published: November 2021

As the significance of environmental degradation for humanity becomes apparent, the challenge of developing expertise in integrating science, advocacy and implementation has been acknowledged. Addressing recent and ongoing global challenges including mass extinction, climate change, disease and threats to food, water and power security requires employment of evidence-based science in multi-faceted approaches. Ensuring the mobilisation of new knowledge in practice, both in policy and on-ground actions, takes many researchers into the realm of advocacy, where facts and values become equally important. In the nexus between research and practice, guidance in integrating approaches is required. Drawing on the fields of conservation biology, systems theory and feminist science, this paper offers a new conceptual framework to guide researchers and professionals; one that supports practice by encouraging action and advocacy. The framework, intentional ecology, requires examination of ethics and acknowledgement of the human endeavour that supports curiosity and care in research. Intention is the key concept here as it incorporates beliefs, choice and actions. A case study of the application of intentional ecology to research into, and conservation of, a small, threatened amphibian, Sloane’s Froglet, in South Eastern Australia is provided. Many environmental issues are complex and it is difficult to find a single point to address. While acknowledging that complexity, intentional ecology provides an ethical basis and imperative to act. In so doing intentional ecology enables early, applied and relevant integrated action and reflexive and dynamic approaches to implementation.
Mechanical metamaterials based on origami and kirigami
Authors: Zhai Zirui , Wu Lingling , Jiang Hanqing
Published: November 2021

Once merely ancient arts, origami (i.e., paper folding) and kirigami (i.e., paper cutting) have in recent years also become popular for building mechanical metamaterials and now provide valuable design guidelines. By means of folding and cutting, two-dimensional thin-film materials are transformed into complex three-dimensional structures and shapes with unique and programmable mechanical properties. In this review, mechanical metamaterials based on origami and/or kirigami are categorized into three groups: (i) origami-based ones (with folding only), (ii) kirigami-based ones (with cutting only), and (iii) hybrid origami–kirigami-based ones (with both folding and cutting). For each category, the deformation mechanisms, design principles, functions, and applications are reviewed from a mechanical perspective.
Effectiveness of antiviral metal and metal oxide thin-film coatings against human coronavirus 229E
Authors: Delumeau Louis-Vincent , Asgarimoghaddam Hatameh , Alkie Tamiru , Jones Alexander James Bryan , Lum Samantha , Mistry Kissan , Aucoin Marc G. , DeWitte-Orr Stephanie , Musselman Kevin P.
Published: November 2021

Virucidal thin-film coatings have the potential to inactivate pathogens on surfaces, preventing or slowing their spread. Six potential nanoscale antiviral coatings, Cu, Cu2O, Ag, ZnO, zinc tin oxide (ZTO), and TiO2, are deposited on glass, and their ability to inactivate the HCoV-229E human coronavirus is assessed using two methods. In one method, droplets containing HCoV-229E are deposited on thin-film coatings and then collected after various stages of desiccation. In the second method, the thin-film coatings are soaked in the virus supernatant for 24 h. The Cu and Cu2O coatings demonstrate clear virucidal behavior, and it is shown that controlled delamination and dissolution of the coating can enhance the virucidal effect. Cu is found to produce a faster and stronger virucidal effect than Cu2O in the droplet tests (3 log reduction in the viral titer after 1 h of exposure), which is attributed, in part, to the differences in film adhesion that result in delamination of the Cu film from the glass and accelerated dissolution in the droplet. Despite Ag, ZnO, and TiO2 being frequently cited antimicrobial materials, exposure to the Ag, ZnO, ZTO, and TiO2 coatings results in no discernible change to the infectivity of the coronavirus under the conditions tested. Thin-film Cu coatings are also applied to the polypropylene fabrics of N95 respirators, and droplet tests are performed. The Cu fabric coating reduces the infectivity of the virus; it results in a 1 order-of-magnitude reduction in the viral titer within 15 min with a 2 order-of-magnitude reduction after 1 h.
Effect of chlorine dioxide with NaH2PO4 and DMSO on bleaching of kraft pine pulp
Authors: Huang Lijie , Wei Zhehao , Wang Yanan , Han Xiaoxue , Chen Haobin , Huang Chongxing , Wei Yingnan
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the effect of D0 temperature, Kappa factor and the final pH value on bleaching sulfate bleached pine wood pulp was studied. The results showed that the bleaching efficiency was better when the pH value was 4, and the amount of absorbable organic halogen (AOX) in the bleaching wastewater was decreased. The Kappa factor is linear with the whiteness in the range of 0–0.15. With the increase of the Kappa factor, the amount of AOX in bleaching wastewater of D0 and Ep gradually increases. High temperature bleaching can reduce AOX production, but some fibers are hydrolyzed, leading to a decrease in pulp viscosity. The effects of chlorine dioxide solution adding sodium dihydrogen phosphate (NaH2PO4) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) on pulp bleaching were investigated. The results showed that both solutions could reduce the amount of AOX in bleaching wastewater. Among them, the addition of NaH2PO4 in chlorine dioxide increased pulp whiteness, while the addition of DMSO was the opposite. Scanning electron microscope showed that a small amount of hollow cracks and more voids appeared on the surface of pulp fibers after the addition of NaH2PO4. Pulp fibers bleached by the chlorine dioxide adding DMSO have more folds and less voids on the surface. The surface wrinkles of pulp fibers increased with the addition of DMSO and the voids were less. FT-IR showed that the number of chromophore groups in the pulp bleached by chlorine dioxide adding NaH2PO4 were decreased. However, the lignin characteristic absorption peak in the pulp bleached by chlorine dioxide adding DMSO increased at the intensity of 1062 and 1160 cm−1, which indicated that there were more residual chromophore groups.
Higher-order exceptional point and Landau–Zener Bloch oscillations in driven non-Hermitian photonic Lieb lattices
Authors: Xia Shiqiang , Danieli Carlo , Zhang Yingying , Zhao Xingdong , Lu Hai , Tang Liqin , Li Denghui , Song Daohong , Chen Zhigang
Published: November 2021

We propose a scheme to realize parity-time (PT) symmetric photonic Lieb lattices of ribbon shape and complex couplings, thereby demonstrating the higher-order exceptional point (EP) and Landau–Zener Bloch (LZB) oscillations in the presence of a refractive index gradient. Quite different from non-Hermitian flatband lattices with on-site gain/loss, which undergo thresholdless PT symmetry breaking, the spectrum for such quasi-one-dimensional Lieb lattices has completely real values when the index gradient is applied perpendicular to the ribbon, and a triply degenerated higher-order EP (EP3) with coalesced eigenvalues and eigenvectors emerges only when the amplitude of the gain/loss ratio reaches a certain threshold value. When the index gradient is applied parallel to the ribbon, the LZB oscillations exhibit intriguing characteristics, including asymmetric energy transition and pseudo-Hermitian propagation, as the flatband is excited. Meanwhile, a secondary emission occurs each time when the oscillatory motion passes through the EP3, leading to distinct energy distribution in the flatband when a dispersive band is excited. Such novel phenomena may appear in other non-Hermitian flatband systems. Our work may also bring insight and suggest a photonic platform to study the symmetry and topological characterization of higher-order EP that may find unique applications in, for example, enhancing sensitivity.
Implementing recovery-oriented practice in older people’s mental health services: the NSW experience
Authors: McKay Roderick , Jackson Kate , Stevens John
Published: November 2021

Personal recovery is central to Australian mental health standards, but promoting recovery-oriented practice remains a wicked problem (ie complex, with definitions and appropriate interventions impacted upon by context and values), with limited evidence regarding effective implementation. This case study re-examines a statewide initiative to enhance recovery-oriented practice in older people’s mental health services in New South Wales from the perspective of complex adaptive systems. The initiative consisted of three key strategies: (1) statewide collaborative leadership and practice resources; (2) locally determined and led improvement projects; and (3) evaluating, disseminating and sustaining initiative outcomes. Published outcomes of the initiative, related policy and benchmarking materials and author reflections are used to propose lessons for other services and policy makers. From a systems perspective, a relatively small investment from a state policy unit to enhance a facilitating environment resulted in the emergence of local leaders and voluntary participation of services within 80% of local health districts without funding incentives. Local leaders and activities informed statewide policies and models of care to sustain practice change. Limitations included variability in project scopes and the involvement of people with lived experience, as well as the level of refinement in change management approach. Self-audit and consumer-rated experience suggest resilience of practice and culture change. The outcomes are consistent with conceptualisations of mental health services being complex adaptive systems requiring distributive leadership. Established mechanisms encouraging statewide cooperation between clinicians, service managers and policy makers may have been significant facilitators of engagement in practice change. What is known about this topic? Recovery remains an important concept for older people with mental ill health, with implementation of recovery-oriented practice a wicked problem. What does this paper add? Central policy investment in a collaborative facilitatory environment can stimulate the emergence of local leadership and investment in actions to enhance recovery orientation. As predicted by complex adaptive systems theory, the impact of the leaders developed may be broader than the sum of individual project outcomes. What are the implications for practitioners? A start where you can message can engage and enable leaders in feasible and locally relevant changes consistent with a statewide strategy. This may be a feasible approach to improving recovery orientation in mental health care services for and beyond older people, with potential implications for addressing other wicked problems in health care.
Analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters as predictors of biomass accumulation and tolerance to heat and drought stress of wheat (
Authors: Sherstneva Oksana , Khlopkov Andrey , Gromova Ekaterina , Yudina Lyubov , Vetrova Yana , Pecherina Anna , Kuznetsova Darya , Krutova Elena , Sukhov Vladimir , Vodeneev Vladimir
Published: November 2021

Agricultural technologies aimed at increasing yields require the development of highly productive and stress-tolerant cultivars. Phenotyping can significantly accelerate breeding; however, no reliable markers have been identified to select the most promising cultivars at an early stage. In this work, we determined the light-induced dynamic of chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) parameters in young seedlings of 10 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars and evaluated potency of these parameters as predictors of biomass accumulation and stress tolerance. Dry matter accumulation positively correlated with the effective quantum efficiency of photosystem II (ΦPSIIef) and negatively correlated with the half-time of ΦPSIIef reaching (t1/2(ΦPSIIef)). There was a highly significant correlation between t1/2(ΦPSIIef) and dry matter accumulation with increasing prediction period. Short-term heating and drought caused an inhibition of biomass accumulation and photosynthetic activity depending on the stressor intensity. The positive correlation between the ΦPSII dark level (ΦPSIId) in young seedlings and tolerance to a rapidly increasing short-term stressor (heating) was shown. In the case of a long-term stressor (drought), we revealed a strong negative relationship between tolerance and the level of non-photochemical fluorescence quenching (NPQ). In general, the results show the potency of the ChlF parameters of young seedlings as predictors of biomass accumulation and stress tolerance.
Factors patients consider when accessing oral health care
Authors: Trinh Van Anh , Lee Peter , Robson Jonathan , Yu Emma , Jung Victoria , Heo Yoonju , Tadakamadla Santosh Kumar , Evans Jane L.
Published: November 2021

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to understand patients’ perceived importance of clinic- and clinician-related factors and contextual characteristics that shape the importance ratings for factors patients consider when accessing oral health care. This study was conducted at Griffith University Dental Clinic, Gold Coast, Australia. Patients answered a self-administered questionnaire on demographics and perceived need for attendance, which constituted the explanatory variables. In the second part of the questionnaire, patients were asked to rate the importance of 17 items related to the provision and quality of oral health services using a five-point scale. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to determine the dimensionality of the questionnaire. The questionnaire was completed by 298 patients. The importance of some of the clinician-related factors, such as ‘concern for patients’ and ‘access to specialist care’, were associated with sex, age and employment status. EFA revealed a two-factor structure, which consisted of items related to clinician characteristics and clinic environment characteristics. Female participants had higher importance scores for clinic environment characteristics (mean (±s.d.) 38.00 ± 4.86 vs 35.45 ± 6.30; P < 0.05) and clinician characteristics (32.39 ± 2.85 vs 31.33 ± 3.39; P < 0.05) than male participants. In conclusion, various clinician- and clinic-related aspects were considered important for the provision and quality of oral health services, with the importance of these factors associated with some contextual characteristics. Application of Andersen’s behavioural model of health services use provided a framework that offers important insights into patient beliefs and perceptions towards oral health services and can serve as a baseline for future studies in dental clinics across Australia.